Log bridges are made by felling a tree across a river and can be basic or advanced with shaped tops, rails, and reinforced supports. Nature can also create log bridges. Foundations, tie-downs, and treated wood can increase durability. A log bridge is a bridge made by felling a log across a river. There are numerous […]
A Wheatstone bridge is an electrical circuit used to determine the resistance of a circuit element. It consists of four resistors split into two legs and is named after Sir Charles Wheatstone. By balancing one leg of the circuit against the one with the unknown resistor, the resistance of the component under test can be […]
Suspension bridges are supported by suspensions and are often found in underdeveloped locations. They can be built with different materials and are rarely flat. They are often unstabilized and require handrails, but can be stabilized with overhead wires or wire mesh. They are mostly used for pedestrian traffic as they are considered inefficient for motorized […]
Different types of bridge decks include prefabricated flat-bridge, box girder, girder, truss, and arch designs. Each has its own advantages and limitations, but all aim to provide an open roadway with minimal visible support structures. A bridge deck is a design in which a bridge’s road or walkway, called a deck, sits cleanly atop any […]
Swing bridges rotate horizontally to allow tall boats to pass and have been around for 200 years. There are variations, including center bearing, rim bearing, and bobtail swing. They are preferred over other designs due to less wind loading and structural stress, but require regular maintenance. A swing bridge is a type of movable bridge, […]
A network bridge connects two computer networks or divides a network, forwarding data based on MAC addresses to reduce collisions. It generates a table of MAC addresses and can maintain privacy by not forwarding data between devices on the same network. A network bridge, also known as a layer 2 switch, is a hardware device […]
Lift bridges are designed to raise part of the span of a bridge to allow boats to pass underneath. They are popular due to their advantages. Bascule bridges are installed to save costs but may require a lift to allow traffic to pass. Lift bridges use a hoist and counterweights to lift the span and […]
The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic red suspension bridge connecting San Francisco and Marin County, was opened in 1937 and remains a symbol of American engineering. Designed by Irving Morrow, it incorporates Art Deco elements and rises 746 feet above the bay water. The bridge employs full-time painters and iron workers for maintenance. It has […]
Cable-stayed bridges use steel cables suspended from tall towers to support the decking. Open-grid iron panels are used to reduce wind effects, making them safe for use in most situations. The cables are made up of thousands of small cables, and most large cable-stayed bridges are toll bridges. A cable stayed bridge is a bridge […]
Rope bridges are one of the oldest types of man-made bridges, found in Central American societies and the Himalayas. They can be basic, consisting of only two ropes, or more stable with a trellis structure and railings. In Inca culture, they were vital to the road system. The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge in Ireland is a famous […]
A floating bridge uses barges or pontoons to create a temporary or permanent span across a body of water, ideal for military operations or when other bridge designs are not feasible. It can be dismantled and transported, and can be stabilized in choppy waters or retracted during storms. Also known as a bateau bridge or […]
Railway bridges are complex engineering feats designed to cross obstacles in the landscape, allowing for shorter journeys and faster delivery of goods. They have evolved from wood and stone to steel and suspension bridges, and must withstand extreme loads and weather conditions. As rail travel declines, many bridges are preserved or repurposed for hiking and […]
Arch bridges rely on a curved shape for support, allowing them to span great distances without needing additional supports. Their strength comes from their shape, which is always in compression. They can be built using various techniques and materials, including stone, concrete, and steel. Arch bridges are commonly used over water or in areas where […]
“Bridging the gap” means connecting two groups with little in common. It is an idiom used to make bonds or connections figuratively. Synonyms include reconciling, intervening, negotiating, and making peace. It is commonly used in English language and popular culture. It can be confusing for non-native speakers who focus on its literal meaning. It can […]
Bridging equity is a short-term financing solution used to bridge the gap between a current financial situation and future financing. Private equity firms often use bridging capital to complete a leveraged buyout, while bridging loans can provide quick cash for individuals or companies with high interest rates and shorter repayment periods. Bridging equity refers to […]
Becoming a bridge operator requires knowledge of operating and repairing drawbridges, understanding maritime law, and performing maintenance tasks. On-the-job training and climbing the ladder of expertise is necessary, and strong grades in math and physics can help. The job requires patience and responsibility for the safety of passing boats and cars. If you want to […]
The idiom “a bridge too far” refers to something that is too ambitious or complicated to achieve, often resulting in failure or negative consequences. It originated from the failed World War II mission Operation Market Garden and was popularized by a novel and film of the same name. The phrase can be used in various […]
Pontoon bridges are floating structures supported by floating docks, useful for temporary or permanent crossings. Submerged floating pipe bridges are expensive and untested. They are useful in war and require careful engineering to support loads. Wooden bridges were common before modern equipment. Precautions are needed to protect pontoon bridges from damage. The longest military pontoon […]
The term “salt bridge” has two meanings in chemistry: a conductive gel bond in voltaic cells and a molecule used to bridge sections of a macromolecule. Supramolecular chemistry uses salt bridges to create nanostructures. Without a salt bridge in a voltaic cell, electrons cannot flow through the wire. In self-assembly, a salt bridge can bridge […]
