Asking About Bridges

Visit bridges in your area and think about the following questions:

• What does the bridge cross - e.g. road, valley, river, canal, sea?
• What does the bridge carry - e.g. people, freight, cars, trains, boats, aircraft?
• Why do you think it was built in that particular place - e.g. road/rail/canal networks, geology of area, width/height of crossing?
• Was there any other way of crossing there before - e.g. ford, ferry, older bridge?
• What type of bridge is it - e.g. beam, arch, suspension, cantilever, stayed girder or a mixture?
• Is the bridge single span or multi-span and why - e.g. span, foundations, topography, need to allow passage, centre part movable?
• What material(s) are used - e.g. stone, brick, cast iron, steel, concrete, timber, mixture?
• Why do you think these materials were chosen - e.g. type and size of bridge, cost, availability?
• How are the bridge parts joined - e.g. cement, bolt, rivet, weld, screw, pegged joints?
• Is there any sign of weathering or decay - e.g. rust, moss, cracks?
• Have the materials been protected in any way - e.g. painted, coated, treated against rot?
• Are there any identification markings on the bridge - e.g bridge number, maker's name and company, safe working load?