Loads on Bridges
Dead Load
- The weight of the structure itself is called the dead load. Anything permanently attached to the bridge is part of its dead load.
- The weight of the stuff on the structure is called the live load. Things that move in or on the structure are examples of live load (cars, people, bike...).
- When the soil beneath a structure settles unevenly, it is called settlement load. Structures sink and change shape due to settlement load.
- When a structure expands or shrinks with the temperature.
- When the ground beneath a structure jerks back and forth during an earthquake.
- When wind blows on a structure.
- Loads that change over time. Dynamic load create vibration. Dynamic loads can be caused by many of the loads above.