Bridge Basics for Elementary Students

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the basics of bridge engineering.

Compression

A force that pushes materials together.

Tension

A force that pulls materials apart.

Beam Bridge

A simple flat bridge supported by piers or posts that bends under weight.

Arch Bridge

A curved bridge that transfers weight along the arch to supports at each end.

Suspension Bridge

A bridge held up by cables draped over tall towers, where cables are in tension.

Truss Bridge

A bridge made of triangles for strength, spreading forces of tension and compression.

Golden Gate Bridge

A suspension bridge in San Francisco that stretches over 8,000 feet.

Balance of Forces

The engineering principle that ensures both compression and tension are evenly distributed in a bridge.

Piers or Posts

Vertical structures that support beam bridges.

Supports

The structures at the ends of an arch bridge that hold it up.