Which component allows longitudinal movement and transmits loads between the superstructure and substructure?

Which component allows longitudinal movement and transmits loads between the superstructure and substructure?

• A. Substructure
• B. Bearings
• C. Culvert
• D. Deck

Answer: (B)

Bearings between the deck and the supporting structures are the link that both carries vertical loads and permits longitudinal movement. They sit at the interface of the superstructure (the deck) and the substructure (piers and abutments) and are designed to transfer forces from the deck down into the supports while allowing sliding or rotation to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and live-load movement. This movement control prevents large stresses in the deck and supports while still delivering the loads downward. The deck itself is the highway surface, the substructure provides the supports, and a culvert is simply a drainage passage under the bridge. So the bearing assembly best fits the description.

Bearings between the deck and the supporting structures are the link that both carries vertical loads and permits longitudinal movement. They sit at the interface of the superstructure (the deck) and the substructure (piers and abutments) and are designed to transfer forces from the deck down into the supports while allowing sliding or rotation to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and live-load movement. This movement control prevents large stresses in the deck and supports while still delivering the loads downward. The deck itself is the highway surface, the substructure provides the supports, and a culvert is simply a drainage passage under the bridge. So the bearing assembly best fits the description.