The bridge below is a common type called a Box Girder Bridge. These are usually made of steel with all the members (parts) welded, bolted or held together with rivets. Usually they are manufactured in a factory and transported to the site and dropped into position by a large crane. The triangular shapes give the bridge immense strength and for short spans this type of bridge is ideal.

Triangulation distributes the weight of any vehicle or pedestrian crossing the bridge. The weight is distributed through all the members and so the bridge can cope with large weights. This type of bridge is favoured by the British Army. The Royal Engineers have transportable bridges like the one above that can be dismantled and transported anywhere in the world and reassembled. They are bolted together and are semi-permanent structures. See work on the Mostar Bridge.

When a vehicle crosses the bridge each member experiences some type of force. The diagram shows that the member that the car rests on is under tensile force (in tension) as it stretches under the weight of the car. As the bridge bends, the top member is compress (under a compressive force).

1. Draw a diagram that shows the forces the supporting pieces (triangles) are under ? HINT: make a model from art straws and sellotape. This may help you see the forces in action as you add weights to the top.

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