Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What structural characteristic does a cantilever bridge often feature?

1. A single span only

2. Use of multiple joints

3. Load transmitted to the center

4. That it cannot curve

The correct answer is: Load transmitted to the center

A cantilever bridge is specifically designed to support loads through its unique structural characteristics. One key feature is that loads are transmitted to the supports at each end of the bridge rather than to the center. This results from the cantilever design, where beams extend horizontally into space and are anchored at only one end. The load creates bending moments in the structure that are balanced by the reactions at the support, allowing the bridge to effectively carry heavy traffic without collapsing. By leveraging this design, cantilever bridges can span significant distances without requiring a support in the middle, thus offering advantages in situations where it is impractical to place supports in the center of the span, such as over a river or deep gorge. The design effectively balances the structure and distributes the forces, making it ideal for certain types of applications in civil engineering. The other options do not accurately describe the fundamental characteristics of a cantilever bridge. For example, a cantilever bridge may consist of multiple spans, not just a single one. It may also utilize joints to connect various components, and while it can be designed to curve, many cantilever bridges are indeed straight. These characteristics contribute to its versatility and wide application in engineering projects.