definition
strict definition
span length
The total length of a bridge platform where it is detached from the ground.
The span length of a bridge is the total length along which it does not rest on the ground or on any type of berm. It includes all sections resting on piers, held up from above, or cantilevered from the side, regardless of whether those sections cross land or water.
Span length is measured along the center of the bridge deck, and follows any curves or angles in the bridge; therefore it can be longer than the structure's actual length if the bridge does not follow a straight line.
Intermediate piers do not end the total measurement. A supported crossing over dry land belongs in the same span length as an otherwise equivalent section over water.
Related definitions
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architectural length
The distance from the front entrance of a structure through to the farthest opposite side at the base. -
architectural width
The distance from side to side of a structure at its base, as measured when facing the main entrance. -
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The rider's travel distance along the center of the longest continuous moving walkway installed in a structure. -
autowalk step width
The width across an autowalk step or belt, measured perpendicular to its direction of motion. -
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The average distance across rooms in a building, measured from the perimeter inward. -
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The greatest horizontal distance in a straight line between consecutive piers of a bridge. -
bridge total span
The entire length along which a bridge deck is separated from the ground, following any bends. -
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The distance between two column centers along the long side of a rectangle in a regular grid of structural supports. -
column grid length (short)
The distance between two column centers along the short side of a rectangle in a regular grid of structural supports. -
corridor width
The median distance between the walls of a central or main corridor through a building. -
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The narrowest width across a bridge's main transit platform, measured perpendicular to the span. -
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The maximum distance traveled by an elevator in the structure's longest shaft. -
escalator length (max)
The diagonal length of the longest installed escalator belonging to a structure. -
escalator step width
The width across an escalator step, measured perpendicular to its direction of motion. -
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The length of ground overhung by a leaning structure, perpendicular to its perimeter at the base. -
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The combined length of merchandise display windows facing sidewalks or interior passageways. -
maximum core-to-perimeter distance
The maximum horizontal distance from the outer wall of a building's core to the inner wall of its perimeter. -
maximum floor overhang distance
The maximum distance by which an object extends over unenclosed space beneath it, including floor or roof overhangs. -
maximum roof overhang distance
The maximum extent that the roof of a structure overhangs the unenclosed space below it. -
minimum core-to-perimeter distance
The minimum horizontal distance from the outer wall of a building's core to the inner wall of its perimeter. -
suspension length
The total deck length supported by cables in a suspension bridge or cable-stayed bridge. -
track length
The length of the longest individual set of rail tracks directly on or within a structure or object.