Table of Contents
What kind of bridge uses tension?
TIED-ARCH BRIDGE (BOWSTRING) These are also called bowstring bridges since they look like a bow from the side. This bow uses the tension of its vertical cables, together with the compression of the arch, to support the load and keep the bridge stable.
What forces act on the Tower bridge?
Two major forces act on a bridge at any given time: compression and tension. Compression, or compressive force, is a force that acts to compress or shorten the thing it is acting on.
Which bridges are under compression?
Compression Arch bridges are always under compression. The force of compression is pushed outward along the curve of the arch toward the abutments.
What is tension force on 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.
What is an example of a compression force?
Figure 2 shows another common visual example of compression force – the act of pressing two ends of a spring together. As compression force is applied to the spring, the spring’s physical shape becomes compacted. When the compression is released, the spring immediately expands outward and back to its normal shape.
How does tension and compression affect a bridge?
The answer lies in how each bridge type deals with the important forces of compression and tension. Tension: What happens to a rope during a game of tug-of-war? Correct, it undergoes tension from the two sweaty opposing teams pulling on it. This force also acts on bridge structures, resulting in tensional stress.
Why are there towers on a suspension bridge?
A long-span suspension bridge usually has tall towers. The height of the Bridge’s towers directs the tensile (pulling) forces in the main cables upward, so that the cables can efficiently do their job of holding up the roadway deck.
Which is the opposite of tension and compression?
Compressional stress, therefore, is the opposite of tensional stress. Compression and tension are present in all bridges, and as illustrated, they are both capable of damaging part of the bridge as varying load weights and other forces act on the structure. It’s the job of the bridge design to handle these forces without buckling or snapping.
Which is the opposite of Tensional stress in a bridge?
This force also acts on bridge structures, resulting in tensional stress. Compression: What happens when you push down on a spring and collapse it? That’s right, you compress it, and by squishing it, you shorten its length. Compressional stress, therefore, is the opposite of tensional stress.