Quiz: Fundamentals of Bridge Design Select one answer per question, then click Submit. 1) A bridge’s primary purpose is to: A) Beautify riverbanks B) Carry loads safely across obstacles C) Increase local tourism only D) Replace tunnels Function first: safely span and carry loads over a barrier. 2) Which force stretches materials? A) Compression B) Tension C) Shear D) Dead load Tension pulls materials apart; compression pushes them together. 3) Which is a time-varying load from users? A) Dead load B) Live load C) Arch thrust D) Thermal load Live loads change as traffic moves on the bridge. 4) In a simple beam bridge, the top of the beam is typically in: A) Tension B) Compression C) Pure shear D) Torsion only Bending puts the top fibers in compression and bottom in tension. 5) Arch bridges primarily: A) Rely on tension in the arch B) Redirect loads into abutments via compression C) Are only made from timber D) Cannot span medium distances Arches are compression structures; abutments take the thrust. 6) Truss bridges are efficient because they: A) Eliminate all shear forces B) Use triangular units to distribute loads C) Require no maintenance D) Only support pedestrians Triangles prevent geometric instability, sharing loads efficiently. 7) In suspension bridges, which elements are primarily in tension? A) Towers B) Deck girders C) Main cables and hangers D) Piers and abutments Cables carry tension; towers mainly carry compression. 8) Cable-stayed bridges differ because: A) They use no cables B) The deck is directly supported by cables to towers C) They rely on arches D) They are only for short spans Stay cables run directly from tower to deck panels. 9) Which material has high tensile strength and suits long spans? A) Stone B) Timber C) Steel D) Plain, unreinforced concrete Steel combines high tensile and compressive strength. 10) A key lifecycle consideration is: A) Aesthetics only B) Upfront cost only C) Maintenance, durability, and total life-cycle cost D) Avoiding safety factors Durability and maintenance drive long-term performance and cost. Submit Reset