1. Abutments: These are the supporting structures that carry the vertical load of the bridge and transfer it to the ground. Abutments are typically built on the banks of the waterway or on land adjacent to the bridge.
2. Piers: Piers are found in the middle of the waterway and are designed to support the weight of the bridge deck and distribute it to the abutments. They are usually built in the form of columns, and their height depends on the depth and width of the waterway.
3. Bearings: Bearings are engineering components that connect the bridge deck to the substructure. They allow for the transfer of the superstructure loads, such as traffic and wind loads, to the substructure.
4. Footings: Footings are the foundation elements that support the bridge substructure. They are typically constructed from concrete and serve to distribute the weight of the substructure evenly across the ground.
5. Wingwalls: These are concrete walls that extend from the abutments into the surrounding earth. Wingwalls help to prevent soil erosion and provide additional support to the bridge substructure.
Publication date: