2007-07-14 14:49:17 · 7 answers · asked by lovereds1127 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Cause horses don't come with roofs. ~
2007-07-14 14:56:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Covered bridges were built to protect the bridge supports from the elements.
Many uncovered bridges collapsed from rotting out of the bridge supports. Also it was very expensive to replace the supports when they were caught by an inspection before a collapse.
By covering the bridge, the supports lasted much longer, as evidenced by the fact that many of them are still standing today.
The covering also served a secondary purpose. Many horses were very skittish about crossing bridges, and when the bridges were covered it was easier to coax a team of horses across.
2007-07-14 15:28:49 · answer #2 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The two main reasons were:
1. To protect wood bridges from exposure to the elements which would reduce the life of the bridge.
2. To keep the bridge clear of snow (in colder climates) (Many bridges and mountain passes are still built with roofs today to keep them clear of snow)
2007-07-14 21:53:33 · answer #3 · answered by PDQ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they were made of wood and covering kept them from rotting as fast.
2007-07-14 14:51:12 · answer #4 · answered by suigeneris-impetus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To protect the trusses from exposure to the elements.
2007-07-14 14:52:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
a refuge from the elements
2007-07-14 14:51:07 · answer #6 · answered by nicklemouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they were made of wood and rain water would rot them and then they could colapse...
2007-07-14 14:52:06 · answer #7 · answered by gotta be Stella 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋