How does compression and tension affect a bridge?

Tension forces pull and stretch material in opposite directions, allowing a rope bridge to support itself and the load it carries. Compression forces squeeze and push material inward, causing the rocks of an arch bridge to press against each other to carry the load.

How does the compression on a beam bridge and on an arch bridge differ?

A beam bridge has its deck (beam) in tension and compression. (The beam can be squeezed and stretched depending on conditions.) The abutments are in compression, which means they are always being squeezed. An arch bridge supports loads by distributing compression across and down the arch.

What gives an arch bridge its strength?

The greater the degree of curvature (the larger the semicircle of the arch), the greater the effects of tension on the underside of the bridge. It is the arch itself that gives its namesake bridge its strength. In fact, an arch made of stone doesn’t even need mortar.

Is there tension in an arch bridge?

An arch bridge is a semicircular structure with abutments on each end. The design of the arch, the semicircle, naturally diverts the weight from the bridge deck to the abutments. The force of compression is pushed outward along the curve of the arch toward the abutments. Tension The tension in an arch is negligible.

How does a arch bridge work?

Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either side. A viaduct (a long bridge) may be made from a series of arches, although other more economical structures are typically used today.

How do arch bridges carry load?

Instead of pushing straight down, the weight of an arch bridge is carried outward along the curve of the arch to the supports at each end. These supports, called the abutments, carry the load and keep the ends of the bridge from spreading out.

Why is tension and compression important?

Tension and compression forces are important to keep in mind when designing a building or structure. If we construct a bridge with materials that are not strong enough to hold up to the amount of compression and tension that vehicles cause when they travel across it, the bridge could collapse.

How compression and tension affect the stability of a structure?

A tension force is one that pulls materials apart. A compression force is one that squeezes material together. Some materials are better able to withstand compression, some are better able to resist tension, and others are good to use when both compression and tension are present.

What is the difference between a beam bridge and arch bridge?

A beam bridge has its deck (beam) in tension and compression. (The beam can be squeezed and stretched depending on conditions.) The abutments are in compression, which means they are always being squeezed. An arch bridge supports loads by distributing compression across and down the arch. The structure is always pushing in on itself.

How does the shape of a bridge reduce the tension?

The natural curve of the arch and its ability to dissipate the force outward greatly reduces the effects of tension on the underside of the arch. The greater the degree of curvature (the larger the semicircle of the arch), the greater the effects of tension on the underside of the bridge.

How do arch bridges work?

How Bridges Work. The greater the degree of curvature (the larger the semicircle of the arch), the greater the effects of tension on the underside of the bridge. Build a big enough arch, and tension will eventually overtake the support structure’s natural strength. While there’s a fair amount of cosmetic variety in arch bridge construction,…

How do the trusses of a bridge support the structure?

The trusses handle both tension and comprehension, with the diagonal ones in tension and the vertical ones in compression. An arch bridge supports loads by distributing compression across and down the arch.