2006-06-28 14:17:19 · 9 answers · asked by Midnights snow 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
How much weight a bridge can hold is based on its structural layout, the materials used and how they are arrainged, also the age of the bridge and weather it has undergone weathering. An analysis can then be done based on a statistical pastic yeild strength for the materials in the bridge. This method is used for older bridges that are being evaluated. New bridges that have to be designed present an interesting challenge, what loads will the bridge undergo? to answer this question traffic surveys to identify teh vehicle loads and wind tunnel testing to identify the lateral loads on the bridge. an engineer can then design a structural layout the meets or exceeds the design criteria
2006-06-28 15:04:24 · answer #1 · answered by Aaron G 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As with all the answers above, Materials, Layout, How the weight is distrubited. However many times engineers consider Worst Case Senerios. ==> Lets say that all that states truck drivers went on strike, all of the trucks are loaded, and parked on the bridge. Then lets say that 2 feet of wet snow fell in a period of 2 hours... That may sound kind of unreasonable, but Hey? whos to say what can't happen?
2006-06-29 01:25:45 · answer #2 · answered by squeebs_32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First the section of maximum moment is found out
then the section of bridge is found out
the material strength is found out
bending moment on section is found out
maximum tensile & compressive forces that the bridge can withstand is found out, considering suitable factor of safety
the mamimum load = calculated load(force) - weight of the member itself
2006-06-29 02:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by Hardik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many factors are considered when calculating loads for a bridge: traffic loads, strength of materials, type of bridge, type of trusses, wind loads, vortex shedding...
All of these are modeled several different ways to confirm the load is designed appropriately for its intended use.
2006-06-28 21:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by goldnwhite 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They know the strength of the materials involved, they can follow the stresses of the weight, and they can factor in a degree for safety. It is all about modeling the situation ahead of time.
2006-06-28 21:21:20 · answer #5 · answered by pechorin1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As per Calvin and Hobbes:
"They drive bigger and bigger trucks over the bridge until it breaks. Then they weigh the last truck and rebuild the bridge."
2006-06-28 23:07:07 · answer #6 · answered by hobo joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you mean bride, seems they can hold plenty of weight once they are married, hehe. One spoon full after another, I think its not determined yet how much one can hold.
2006-06-28 21:24:20 · answer #7 · answered by nehownewhere 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the bridge
2006-06-28 21:20:17 · answer #8 · answered by Too Silly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the kind of material they use and how much
2006-06-28 21:21:01 · answer #9 · answered by cutiegrl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋