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-   -   What way does tension in a bridge go (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=664448)

  • May 28, 2012, 07:43 AM
    Mackamoyle11
    What way does tension in a bridge go
    I want to know because I am doing a science project and I need to find out soon
  • May 28, 2012, 07:46 AM
    Curlyben
    What sort of bridge ?
  • May 28, 2012, 07:55 AM
    Mackamoyle11
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Curlyben View Post
    What sort of bridge ?

    The arch bridge
  • May 28, 2012, 07:57 AM
    Curlyben
    Go0od place to start: Arch bridge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  • May 28, 2012, 12:53 PM
    soccerlover9121
    Tension in an arch bridge is pulling out on each pier. So if you're talking about the center arch then the tension would be pulling away from either side of the keystone. On a truss bridge, again, it's on the two piers. On a beam bridge it's just above the piers pulling away from the center of the piers. And on cable-stayed and suspension bridges the tension is on the cables.
    I would also check Google so you can get a visual
  • May 29, 2012, 10:34 AM
    ebaines
    I think the terms are getting a bit confused here. In an arch bridge there is no tension at all - only compression. That's why you can make an arch bridge out of bricks - which are great at withstanding compression, but can't take tension at all. In an arch bridge the weight of the bridge and of any live load it is carrying (people, cars, etc) is carried down through the two piers and into the ground as a compressive force.

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