hills in bridges

[amdforever2]

In Florida recently I saw really long bridges with hills in them. WHY DO THE BRIDGES HAVE MAN MADE HILLS? TO GIVE THE BRIDGE A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT?

 

[Leros]

Are they hanging bridges? When you hang things, they tend to curve. If you pull them too tight, they break easier.

 

[nageov3t]

to provide additional support for the bridge?

 

[Epic Fail]

You drive straight for too long, and you will fall asleep by the 2nd mile of straight away. Or ships need to pass under the bridge...

 

[coldmeat]

Could it have something to do with wind? Or maybe they need to be high enough in places for tall boats? Just some guesses...

 

[Sukhoi]

Boats for the most part. Could also be a loaded bridge design.

By loaded I mean it is naturally arched so when the load is applied it does not deflect past horizontal. Notice how most flatbed 40' or 53' semi trailers are arched when empty.

 

[BoomerD]

Depending on the waterway and the kind of bridge, the "hills" may be to allow clearance for ships/sailboats in a shipping channel, or if the span is long enough, to give it added structural strength.
I'm sure one of the engineers on here can chime in about building a bridge to withstand the compressive forces of the weight of the bridge, as well as the many live loads they're expected to withstand.

 

[Dean]

They build them like this Link :curved so people so people will stay alert and give the "hills" so Large Ships have lots of clearance.

Here is another pic of our massive bridge: Text

 

[amdforever2]

The ones I'm talking about are so close to the water that even with the hill a ship cannot pass underneath.

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
The ones I'm talking about are so close to the water that even with the hill a ship cannot pass underneath.

Pics?

 

[coldmeat]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
The ones I'm talking about are so close to the water that even with the hill a ship cannot pass underneath.

How long are they?

 

[George P Burdell]

Mebbe the guy who designed them was getting bored and exercised some artistic license?

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: amdforever2
The ones I'm talking about are so close to the water that even with the hill a ship cannot pass underneath.

It's not a hill... It's an arch.