Essay

Thesis

Bridges are important around the world. They have different structures or architectures which are determined by their use and the conditions of the area where they are built. The best bridges are built to be 1. good looking, 2. strong, and 3. useful.

Introduction

Do most people even understand what life would be like without bridges?

Bridges are important to our world. They allow people to cross from one area of land to another. They create a link over water or uneven land. They make travel easier by making shortcuts and easing conjestion. A bridge's architecture is essential. There are many different types of bridges, including suspension, clapper and wooden bridges. Each kind of design has a particular purpose. The use of different types is determined by both the purpose of the bridge and the conditions of its location.

The Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego is one of the most famous bridges. It 11,179-foot-long and goes into 80 degrees curve towards San Diego. The span reaches a maximum height of 200 feet (61m), allowing the U.S navy ships which operate out of the nearby and lets them pass underneath also. The five-lane bridge featured the longest box girder in the world until it was surpassed by a bridge in China. The Coronado Bay Bridge construction started in February 1967, and the bridge was opened on August 3, 1969. The eastern end of the bridge connects directly to a T interchange with Interstate 5, just southeast of downtown San Diego. it is the third deadliest suicide bridge in the USA due to its height. The Cabrillo Bridge in San Diego, California is a historic pedestrian and automobile bridge providing access between Balboa Park and the Uptown area of San Diego. It provided the main access across Cabrillo Canyon (formerly known as Pound Canyon, which was used to hold cattle and horses in the late 19th century). Building began in December 1912 under the supervision of Frank P. Allen, Jr. The bridge was designed by Thomas B. Hunter of San Francisco. The concrete forms were made of 1,000,000 board feet of wood, manly redwood. The length of the bridge is 916 feet (279 m) including approaches. The main span is 450 feet (140 m) long and 120 feet (37 m) high. The seven arches are each 56 feet (17 m) across and are supported by fourteen hollow concrete pillars.

The use for bridges is to cross from land to land and or a body of water. There a lot of differnt factors that goes in to make that spacific type of bridge in order to cross. like how windy it is weather its a lot or no wind at all and if the ground is stable enough to be able to handle the bridge's weight. The area is also important too so you know what bridge is the best to use.