Span structure

Arched span of the Bolsheokhtinsky bridge (136 meters)

The span is the supporting part of the bridge , the structure that overlaps the spans between the supports (thus, the bridge consists of supports and spans). The span is divided into several parts:

• the carriageway with a bridge is used to travel trains, cars, as well as pedestrians;
• the bearing part receives loads from the carriageway and transfers them, as well as its own weight to the supporting part;
• supporting parts allow the displacement and rotation of the beams of the bearing part, arising due to temporary deflection under a changing load;
• the bonds between the components of the bearing part of the structure give spatial rigidity to the entire structure. Connections are:
  • horizontal (upper and lower);
  • vertical (supporting and intermediate).

The supporting part for small spans is wooden, metal or reinforced concrete beams , sometimes reinforced concrete slabs. If it is necessary to block longer spans, trusses, frames and arches made of metal or reinforced concrete are used.