Civil Engineering Association

Theory, Practice and Architecture of Bridges, Vol. 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1843 edition. Excerpt: .or their hold, to prevent the generation of such action. Indeed it does not appear but that a system of vertical timber bracing between the sills and curbs of the roadway and the main chains, commencing by an abuttal on the podium of the piers or suspension towers, may be introduced in connexion with transverse bracing from main chain to main chain in the deep parts, or where the head-way would not be affected by it, with economy and advantage. Such a system as that here suggested would adapt itself readily and without derangement to the expansion and contraction of the chains and rods, and tend materially to stiffen the road-way, whilst it would check any approach to the undulations, which, without a system of vertical bracing, are found to follow the vibration of the road-way in tempests. Vertical bracing under the road-way occupies head-way below, or renders it necessary to raise the bridge so much higher to preserve it, without assisting in any degree to steady the chains and give them the aid of the road-way in resisting impulses to motion.