An engineer by profession, Ghusalal Patel manages commercial and industrial real estate construction. Previously, Ghusalal Patel offered consultancy services on special construction projects like bridges.
Building a bridge is an involving process requiring engagement among professionals that include geology, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers. The first question to be answered is the type of bridge.
Categorized by design, the common types are beam, truss, arch, and suspension bridges. Categorized by use, there are road, rail, and pedestrian bridges. In addition, bridges are categorized by the material used such as steel or concrete, or whether they are movable or fixed.
After determining the type of bridge, focus shifts to the bridge’s foundation. Where water is to be crossed, bridge foundations are typically placed on both shores. Environmental characteristics such as the soil and the structure of underlying rock determine the type of foundation needed. Factors such as bridge height and load preference also play a significant role.
After the foundation, other considerations are: supports, the structure of the bridge (how parts will be assembled), machinery used in construction, and the mode of testing the capacity of the bridge after completion.
