Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What is typically required of abutments in bridge construction?

1. To support only vertical loads

2. To connect the bridge structure to the ground

3. To provide a decorative aspect

4. To only transmit shear forces

The correct answer is: To connect the bridge structure to the ground

In bridge construction, abutments serve a crucial structural role by connecting the bridge structure to the ground. They are designed to support not only the vertical loads imposed by the traffic on the bridge but also other forces such as lateral earth pressures, resulting from the earth surrounding the abutments. By anchoring the bridge securely to the ground, abutments help ensure structural stability and are essential in transferring loads from the bridge superstructure to the foundational ground below. This function is vital for the overall integrity and longevity of the bridge. While abutments may contribute to the aesthetic aspect of a bridge design, their primary purpose is to provide support and stability, emphasizing the importance of their connection to the ground. Additionally, abutments must handle a combination of loads rather than just vertical or shear forces alone, which highlights their multifaceted role in bridge construction.