Forces
What is a force?
A push or pull that acts on an object.
A straight, flat bridge that is supported at each end. It is the simplest type of bridge.
A Beam Bridge
The flat part of the bridge that people and cars travel on is called the
The deck
Where is the longest bridge located in the world?
China
This material is used in many old and modern bridges and is known for being very strong in compression.
Concrete
What does the Compression Force do?
It is a pushing force
A bridge shaped like a curved arch. The curve pushes weight outward to the supports on each side.
An Arch Bridge
The tall vertical supports that hold up a suspension bridge’s cables are called
Towers
Where is the shortest bridge located?
Hint: They speak Spanish in this country, not Mexico
Spain/Portugal
This strong, shiny material is often used to build modern bridges and is made from iron mixed with carbon.
Steel
What does the Tension Force do?
It is a pulling force.
A bridge where the deck hangs from strong cables that are attached to tall towers.
Suspension Bridge
The strong supports at each end of a bridge that hold up the ends of the structure are called
Abutments
A bridge that can lift up like a seesaw to let boats pass underneath. It usually has a counterweight that helps it move.
A Drawbridge (Bascule) bridge
This natural building material is made from trees and was commonly used in early bridges.
Wood
What does the Torsion Force do?
It is a twisting force
A bridge where cables run directly from tall towers down to the road, holding it up.
Cable-Stayed Bridge
Strong vertical support that holds up a bridge and transfers its weight down into the ground or water below.
Piers
What civilization was first to use concrete for bridge building?
Romans
This material is used inside concrete to make it stronger and help it resist tension.
Rebar
What kind of force do cables use on suspension bridges?
Tension
A bridge built using arms that extend from both sides and meet in the middle without support underneath.
Cantilever Bridge
This is the structural element that carries loads along the length of a bridge and transfers them to supports; it can be a beam shaped like an I or hollow box.
Girder
How many people were killed in Portugal 1809 bridge collapse?
Estimate
3 to 4 thousand
This material is strong, flexible, and often used for cables in suspension bridges.
Steel Cable