The Concrete Span Bridge’s Primary Parts

In this article, we will concentrate on concrete span bridges, which are the most significant kind of bridge, despite the fact that there are many other kinds of precast concrete bridges to consider. The many terms that are used during the bridge design process should be familiar to every bridge engineer. When a bridge is being designed, it can be divided into three sections.

• Superstructure
• Substructure
• Foundation

Superstructure

The part of the structure that supports traffic is called the superstructure, and it consists of the deck, slab, and girders. All of the bridge’s elements that are supported by a supporting system are referred to as the superstructure.

 

Substructure

This section of the structure transfers the structural load to the piers and abutments while supporting the substructure bases.

Basis

The foundation is the part that transfers loads from the substructure to the bearing stratum. The choice between shallow and deep foundations is based on the bearing strata’s geotechnical characteristics. Piling and well foundations are frequently employed for bridge foundations.

Beam/ Girder

A beam, or girder, is the part of the superstructure structure that bends along the span. The load-bearing component is what holds the deck in position. The space between support points, such as piers and abutments, is known as the span. The portion of the bridge that directly supports traffic loads is called the deck. The deck transfers loads to the girders based on the type of decking.

Considering

Bearings are used to move loads from the girders to the pier caps. A bearing is an element that permits linear or angular motion between components while supporting a portion of a bridge and transferring forces from that section to another area of the structure.

Pier Cap/Headstock

The pier cap, often called the headstock, is the part that moves loads from the superstructure to the piers. Pier caps transmit loads from the bearings to the piers and provide sufficient seating for the bridge girders.

Pier

A pier is the portion of the substructure that distributes loads from the superstructure to the foundations and supports the superstructure at the end of the span. Piers are designed in a variety of designs to meet the requirements, taking into account the site, budget, and aesthetics.

Piles and Pile Cap

A pile foundation is the most common type of foundation for bridges. A pile is a thin compression element that bears weight and is driven into or formed out of the ground to support weights. To ensure that a collection of piles work together and distribute the load equally, a reinforced concrete mass called a pile cap is placed around the heads of the piles.