arch bridge

Bridge whose deck is supported by suspenders attached to an arch, which exerts diagonal thrust against the lateral supports.

trussed arch

Arched girder consisting of two chords joined by a triangulated network of struts.

thrust

Point at which the arch is supported by the abutment.

lower chord

Lower lengthwise steel girder forming the metal arch.

deck

Set of components making up the structure that carries the bridge’s traffic lanes.

abutment

Base of the pier; it supports the arch’s weight and thrust.

pier

Solid concrete construction acting as counterweight to the thrust of the arch against the abutment.

column

Sturdy component forming a vertical support.

portal frame

Part of the deck’s frame over firm ground, lying on columns.

upper chord

Upper lengthwise steel girder forming the metal arch.

arch

Metal bow-shaped structure supporting the deck, whose load it transfers to the abutments.