bridge
A transportation structure spanning a gap or water between two points, distinct from connecting parts of buildings.
Pictured: Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
A bridge is a structure for transportation which connects two points over a gap, chasm, or body of water. Bridges which belong to buildings, such as skybridges and connecting walkways, do not count as separate structures.
Structures used for purposes other than transportation, which happen to span an open gap (such as a house which spans a stream), are not considered bridges, even though their engineering and their shape may be similar. However, a bridge may be lined with enclosed structures that hold usages (like shops and restaurants).
The spanning form serves movement between the two points. Shops or other enclosed uses can accompany that transport function without making the span merely a building over a gap.
bridge Photos
More specific definitions
9 sub-definitions-
arch bridge
A bridge whose deck is supported from below by one or more arches carrying loads toward their end supports. -
beam bridge
A bridge with a rigid spanning member resting on supports at both ends of each span. -
cable-stayed bridge
A bridge whose deck is supported by tense cables mounted on columns or in the surrounding landscape. -
cantilever bridge
A bridge whose spans project from anchoring piers instead of simply resting on supports at both ends. -
float bridge
A bridge whose span floats on water and is simply anchored to stabilization points. -
movable bridge
A bridge of any form which is capable of controlled movement in order to lift or remove its span. -
suspension bridge
A bridge whose span hangs from main cables anchored at its ends, commonly supported above the span by towers. -
trestle
A bridge or viaduct whose deck is carried by a continuous rigid support framework, often over many small spans. -
truss bridge
A bridge whose span is carried by a connected truss framework with members acting in tension and compression.
Related definitions
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dam
A structure built to block or restrict the flow in a natural body of water. -
linear structure
An elevated construction extending along a route, with potential length limited by need and available land or water. -
water transport structure
Fixed or permanent structures in water that assist the navigation or handling of boats and other water transport.