TP – 1139 An Introduction to Engineering Bridge Management for Professional Engineers

Description

A bridge basically consists of two main parts: the substructure and the superstructure. The substructure includes those parts which transfer the loads from the bridge span down to the supporting ground. For a single-span structure the substructure consists of two abutments, while for multispan structures there are also one or more piers. Sometimes steel bents or towers are used instead of piers. The loads are applied to the substructure through the bearing plates and transmitted through the abutment walls or pier columns to the footings. If the soil is of adequate strength, the footings will distribute the loads over a sufficiently large area. If not, the footings themselves must be supported on pile foundations extended down to a firm underlying stratum.