Bascule bridge
Moveable bridge with a counterweight which keeps the span(s) balanced during the upswing / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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A bascule bridge (also referred to as a drawbridge or a lifting bridge) is a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or leaf, throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic. It may be single- or double-leafed.
Quick Facts Ancestor, Related ...
Ancestor | Drawbridge, Plate girder bridge, cantilever bridge |
---|---|
Related | Lift bridge, swing bridge |
Descendant | None |
Carries | Pedestrian, bicycle, automobile, truck, light rail, heavy rail |
Span range | Short |
Material | Steel |
Movable | Yes |
Design effort | Medium |
Falsework required | Site and prefabrication specific |
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The name comes from the French term for balance scale, which employs the same principle. Bascule bridges are the most common type of movable span because they open quickly and require relatively little energy to operate, while providing the possibility for unlimited vertical clearance for marine traffic.