Bridges and Spans

by Cynthia Phillips, Shana Priwer

Overview

Information about types of bridges and how they are built.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780765681201
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/15/2009
Series:	Frameworks (Group 1) Series
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	11 - 14 Years

About the Author

Authored by Phillips, Cynthia; Priwer, Shana

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 History of the Bridge; Chapter 2 Types of Bridges; Chapter 3 The Construction Site; Chapter 4 Calculating Design Loads; Chapter 5 Bridge Construction; Chapter 6 Bridge Safety; Chapter 7 Unusual Bridges; Chapter 8 Bridge Disasters;

Editorial Reviews

Gr 9 Up

This visually appealing introduction opens with a chronological history of the structures, showing the development of different types. The chapters that follow describe the various kinds in more detail; how they are designed and built, including materials used and site selection; unusual designs, such as pontoons; and a sampling of bridge disasters, including the Tacoma Narrows and the New York Thruway collapses. Occasionally, boxes and spreads focus on significant bridges, such as the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges and California's Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge. The authors are at their best presenting specific bridges and when discussing design, history, and disasters, and they excel in their descriptions of older constructions and the innovations they represent. However, some of the more technical details, such as materials and methods and structural details, are more difficult to follow. Nevertheless, the valuable information, coupled with outstanding, current photographs (the 2007 Minneapolis I-35W collapse) and clear drawings (how an arch works) make this book a useful addition.-Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

School Library Journal