STATICS Case Study

EQUILIBRIUM OF A BASCULE
DRAWBRIDGE
By
Christian Batol
Jian Lastino
De La Salle University- Manila
April 4, 2013
Introduction:
A bridge is a structure that is built to allow passage across
obstacles such as bodies of water, valleys or roads. It is usually
made of concrete and steel so that it can support heavy loads
such as cargo trucks, busses, and utility vehicles. Although there
are various types of bridges, this study will be discussing about
bascule bridges.
A bascule bridge is movable type of bridges that have leaves

which are basically parts of the bridge that opens in order provide
passageway to boats. Figure 1shows an example of a bascule
bridge with two leaves.
Figure 1 A Two-leaf Bascule Bridge

In order for the leaves to be lifted, a counterweight is

used

A Bascule bridge can be analyzed in a way such that it is a

force system in equilibrium, when it has already been
opened, the hinge supporting should require a force to
keep it open and immobile as possible,