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History of Bridges


            
            
             Although bridges often go unnoticed, their function is essential to modern America. In the 1850s, covered wagons heading West had to ford streams or rivers. Without adequate bridges in place, the pioneers would sometimes travel many miles out of the way to find a safe place to cross a river. Other times they waited for days or weeks for flooded rivers to recede until it was safe to cross. Crossing rivers was a dangerous aspect of early travel. Narrow wheels sank into the muddy river bottoms, and the swift, unpre- dictable currents took a toll in lives and property.
             Consider how long it would take to cross a river today if bridges were not included in the road systems. Consider how the movement of people, goods, and services would be affected without highway systems, which include bridges. The entire American economy as we know it would be stifled.
             Early Bridges.
             The earliest bridges consisted mainly of logs that had fallen or were placed across rivers. While inexpensive, they were less than reliable. Moving heavy loads across them was often impossible.Primitive bridges were nothing more than a cable of rope stretched across a river. People could cross, but the rope was not practical for moving heavy loads. These rope bridges were the fore- runners of modern suspension bridges.
             Sophisticated rope bridges, like the one located in China and shown in Figure 3, are still used in many parts of the world. This particular bridge spans 1,800 feet. It allows light loads to be moved across the river.
             While suitable for foot travel and pack,- animals, motorized traffic would have an impos- sible time crossing it. Imagine the effects of high winds on a rope suspension bridge like the one shown. .
             See other combinations of truss bridges .
             The stone arch bridge design is among the strongest and most durable. Stone is a naturally strong and enduring material for a bridge. In stone arch bridges, the stones are in compression (pressing against each other).


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