Abutment

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Abutment

An abutment is a structural component that supports the ends of a bridge or arch, as well as the loads from the superstructure. Abutments are crucial in the construction of bridges, as they provide the necessary support to transfer loads from the bridge deck to the ground. They also prevent the horizontal movement of the bridge and help in maintaining its stability.

Types of Abutments

There are several types of abutments used in bridge construction, including:

• Gravity Abutments: These rely on their own weight to resist the loads from the bridge.
• Cantilever Abutments: These use cantilever action to support the bridge loads.
• Counterfort Abutments: These have counterforts or buttresses on the back side to provide additional stability.
• Stub Abutments: These are shorter abutments used in conjunction with embankments.

Components of an Abutment

An abutment typically consists of the following components:

• Footing: The base of the abutment that spreads the load to the ground.
• Stem: The vertical wall that supports the bridge deck.
• Wing Walls: These extend from the abutment to retain the earth behind the abutment.
• Backwall: The wall that supports the end of the bridge deck and retains the fill material.

Functions of an Abutment

The primary functions of an abutment include:

• Supporting the vertical loads from the bridge deck.
• Transferring loads to the foundation.
• Preventing horizontal movement of the bridge.
• Retaining the earth behind the bridge.

Construction Materials

Abutments can be constructed using various materials, including:

• Concrete
• Masonry
• Steel
• Timber

Related Topics

• Bridge
• Arch
• Foundation (engineering)
• Retaining wall
• Structural engineering

See Also

• Pier (architecture)
• Beam (structure)
• Load-bearing wall
• Civil engineering