Loads on bridges

There are 3 kinds of forces that operate on any bridge: the dead load, the live load, and the dynamic load.

DEADLOAD

Dead load refers to the weight of the bridge itself. Like any other structure, a bridge has a tendency to collapse simply because of the gravitational forces acting on the materials of which the bridge is made.

LIVE LOAD

Live load refers to traffic that moves across the bridge as well as normal environmental factors such as changes in temperature, precipitation, and winds.

DYNAMIC LOAD

Dynamic load refers to environmental factors that go beyond normal weather conditions, factors such as sudden gusts of wind and earthquakes. All three factors must be taken into consideration when building a bridge.