Vertical-lift bridge

A vertical-lift bridge or just lift bridge is a type of movable bridge in which a span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck.

Not to be confused with Table bridge.
Vertical-lift bridge
An animation showing how a vertical-lift bridge operates with vehicular and shipping traffic
An animation showing how a vertical-lift bridge operates with vehicular and shipping traffic
AncestorTruss bridge
RelatedBascule bridge, swing bridge, folding bridge, retractable bridge
DescendantSubmersible bridge, table bridge
CarriesAutomobile, pedestrians, truck, light rail, heavy rail
Span rangeShort
MaterialSteel
MovableYes
Design effortmedium
Falsework requiredDepends upon degree of prefabrication

The vertical lift offers several benefits over other movable bridges such as the bascule and swing-span bridges. Generally speaking, they cost less to build for longer moveable spans.[1] The counterweights in a vertical lift are only required to be equal to the weight of the deck, whereas bascule bridge counterweights must weigh several times as much as the span being lifted. As a result, heavier materials can be used in the deck, and so this type of bridge is especially suited for heavy railroad use. The biggest disadvantage to the vertical-lift bridge (in comparison with many other designs) is the height restriction for vessels passing under it, due to the deck remaining suspended above the passageway.

Most vertical-lift bridges use towers, each equipped with counterweights. An example of this kind was built at La Salle in Illinois, United States in 1929 (and demolished in 2001).[2]

Another design uses balance beams to lift the deck, with pivoting bascules located on the top of the lift towers.[3]

Examples

See List of vertical-lift bridges.

See also

References
  1. Troyano (2003), p.731
  2. Shippingsport Bridge, LaSalle County, Illinois www.bridgehunter.com, accessed 1 August 2023
  3. Troyano (2003), p.732
  4. Wood Wortman, Sharon; Wortman, Ed (2006). The Portland Bridge Book (3rd ed.). Urban Adventure Press. p. 68. ISBN 0-9787365-1-6.

Bibliography
  • Leonardo Fernandez Troyano (2003). Bridge Engineering: A Global Perspective. Thomas Telford Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7277-3215-6.
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