Bridge Weight Calculator:
Enter the values of bridge length, L(m) and number of spans, N to determine the value of Bridge weight, BW(kg).
Bridge Weight Formula:
The physics of bridge weight (BW) involves understanding how the structural design, material properties, and distribution of forces impact the overall weight of a bridge. A bridge must support its own weight as well as the load it carries, including vehicles, pedestrians, and environmental forces like wind and earthquakes.
The weight distribution across the bridge’s spans and supports is crucial to ensure stability and safety. Bridge weight calculations take into account the number of spans (N), the length of each span (L), and other design elements that influence the load-bearing capacity.
Bridge weight, BW(kg) in kilograms is calculated by multiplying 500 by the sum of three terms: the product of the bridge length, L(m) in metres and the number of spans, N divided by (N-1), plus the product of 12 and the number of spans, N, plus 36.
Bridge weight, BW(kg) = 500 * ((L(m) * N / N – 1) + 12 * N + 36)
BW(kg) = bridge weight in kilograms, kg.
L(m) = bridge length in metres, m.
N = number of spans.
Bridge Weight Calculation:
- A bridge has a length of 200 meters and is supported by 4 spans. Calculate the weight of the bridge.
Given: L(m) = 200m, N = 4.
Bridge weight, BW(kg) = 500 * ((L(m) * N / N – 1) + 12 * N + 36)
BW(kg) = 500 * ((200 * 4/4 – 1) + 12 * 4 + 36)
BW(kg) = 500 * 283
BW(kg) = 141500kg.
- A bridge weighs 250,000 kg and is supported by 5 spans. Calculate the length of the bridge.
Given: BW(kg) = 250000kg, N = 5.
Bridge weight, BW(kg) = 500 * ((L(m) * N / N – 1) + 12 * N + 36)
250000= 500 * ((L(m) * 5 / 5 – 1) + 12 * 5 + 36)
250000 = 500 * (5 * L(m) / 4 + 96)
L(m) = (250000 / 500) – 96 * (4 / 5)
L(m) = 250.67cm.