| A | B |
|---|
| Compression | A squeezing force |
| Torsion | A twisting force |
| Arch | A type of bridge very strong in compression |
| Tension | A pulling force |
| Beam | A horizontal member that rests on supports called piers. |
| Suspension | A type of bridge that uses cables to support the roadbed. |
| notch joint | strong joint |
| butt joint | weak joint |
| Live load | Traffic on a bridge |
| Dead load | Weight of bridge itself |
| Truss | Bridge support using rigid pieces |
| Failure | Point at which a bridge breaks |
| Superstructure | Portion of bridge above roadbed. |
| Models | Small scale structures |
| Lamination | Gluing wood Pieces parallel to each other |
| Stone | Material for Roman Arch Bridge |
| Cable | Wire made from many strands |
| Substructure | Part of bridge below the roadbed |
| Destruction | Test in which a model is broken |
| Civil engineer | One who designs bridges |
| Scale | Ratio of model or drawing to actual size |
| Wind | Moving air capable of destroying bridges |
| Aesthetic | pleasing to view |
| King post | A single, vertical member in the center |
| Steel | Bridge material made from iron |
| Racking | Stress which distorts a square or rectangle changing it into a parallelogram |
| Resonance | Vibrations that can destroy a bridge |
| Symmetry | Balance in shape and design |
| Glue | Adhesive for making model bridges |
| Span | Distance covered by a bridge. |
| Aqueduct | Bridge for carrying water. |
| Shear | A force that causes parts of a material to slide past one another in opposite directions |
| Beam | Horizontal part of a beam bridge. |
| Tower | Vertical member of a suspension bridge over which cables are strung. |
| Pier | Vertical member of a beam bridge. |
| Concrete | mixture of water, sand, small stones, and a gray powder called cement |
| Abutment | The outermost end supports on a bridge |
| Anchorage | Where the ends of cables of a suspension bridge are fastened. |
