Most bridges are different in size and shape. Bridges often share many elements. One example is that they are meant to ferry people between places in the fastest and most safe way. Another is that all bridges have support piers at the center. Engineers must consider the following aspects when designing and building bridges: bridge length and location, materials and type.
Engineers need to consider where the bridge will be built and how far it will be from the nearest point. Bridges on private or public land would use timber. Engineers will need to identify if the bridge will cross over a bay or river. Woodford stated that the location of a bridge must be carefully selected to minimize construction time, lower costs, and ensure it lasts. There are many uses for bridges. The bridge must be able to carry the required traffic. The bridge must be able to withstand any weather conditions. It should also be able to handle snow and high winds. If it does, it will sway backwards until it falls apart. The bridge must be able support its own weight as well as the load from traffic. Engineers need to be able to identify the type of bridge they are designing. What type of bridge will it be? An arch bridge, suspension, beam, or truss bridge? “Civil engineers determine the type of bridge they want to build by looking at the required weight and load, the span it must cross, and the nature forces the bridge must withstand” (Lewis). Engineers must know the length of the bridge and whether it will cause more traffic. Traffic and weather are the two most important considerations for the Arch bridge. It can support the greatest weight among all bridges and is therefore the safest. Engineers need to be aware of the materials that are best for making safe bridges.
They must determine the bridge’s width and make safety rails or walkways. Bridges can be made from many materials, including rope, wood, stone and iron. They need to ensure that they have enough money to purchase the right materials and that they can last for years without having to replace them. The true cost of a bridge does not include the cost of construction, but also the cost of maintaining it throughout its life. All bridges should have piers that can support the bridge’s center.
These are three things engineers should consider: materials, bridge types, location and height. You need to design a bridge which is cost-effective, safe, and elegant. Engineers must consider many other factors when building bridges, but these are the main ones.
