Retractable bridge - Revision history

Editor at 16:42, 29 July 2021

2021-07-29T16:42:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 29 July 2021
Line 97:		Line 97:
	* Bridge construction.		* Bridge construction.
	* Bridge structures.		* Bridge structures.
		+	* Movable bridge.
	* Pontoon bridge.		* Pontoon bridge.
	* River engineering.		* River engineering.

Designing Buildings at 06:27, 21 June 2021

2021-06-21T06:27:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:27, 21 June 2021
Line 15:		Line 15:
	= Retractable bridges =		= Retractable bridges =

−	This type of movable bridge can slide to ~~the proper~~ position ~~in order~~ to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform ~~the~~ retraction function.	+	This type of movable bridge can slide to an open position to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform this retraction function.

	[[File:RetractableBridge.gif\|link=File:RetractableBridge.gif]]		[[File:RetractableBridge.gif\|link=File:RetractableBridge.gif]]
−
−	~~Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.~~
−
−	~~There are different types of retractable bridges. These include retractile and floating bridges.~~

	== Retractile ==		== Retractile ==

−	A retractile bridge is ~~a type of retractable bridge where~~ the span is pulled away ~~diagonally~~ on rails. It is believed that ~~the~~ retractile bridge was invented by Thomas Willis Pratt in the 1860s.	+	A classic retractile bridge is one in which the span is pulled away on rails. It is believed that this type of retractile bridge was invented by Thomas Willis Pratt in the 1860s.

	The Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, is a retractile bridge that was built in 1899. The bridge was the site of a major traffic accident in 1916. It is still standing over the Reserved Channel, but the retractile function was decommissioned in 1970.		The Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, is a retractile bridge that was built in 1899. The bridge was the site of a major traffic accident in 1916. It is still standing over the Reserved Channel, but the retractile function was decommissioned in 1970.
Line 38:		Line 34:
	== Floating ==		== Floating ==

−	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks.	+	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals, and when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks.

−	~~Another~~ example of a floating retractable bridge is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge in Puget Sound, Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.	+	An alternative example of a floating retractable bridge is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge in Puget Sound, Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.

	{\|		{\|
Line 64:		Line 60:
	= Noteworthy retractable bridges =		= Noteworthy retractable bridges =

−	Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross it (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.	+	Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges built with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.

	{\|		{\|
Line 87:		Line 83:
	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.		The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.

−	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is one of the closest ~~bridge~~ to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Great Britain.	+	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is one of the closest bridges to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Great Britain.

	{\|		{\|

Editor at 17:27, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T17:27:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 18 June 2021
Line 87:		Line 87:
	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.		The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.

−	The Bridge of Scottish Invention ~~was~~ the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Britain.	+	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is one of the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Great Britain.

	{\|		{\|

Editor at 17:26, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T17:26:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:26, 18 June 2021
Line 40:		Line 40:
	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks.		Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks.

−	Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge ~~that spans across the~~ Puget Sound ~~in the state of~~ Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.	+	Another example of a floating retractable bridge is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge in Puget Sound, Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.

	{\|		{\|

Editor at 17:13, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T17:13:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 18 June 2021
Line 33:		Line 33:
	[[File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg]]		[[File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg]]

−	Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts~~, US~~.	+	Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts.
	\|}		\|}

Editor at 17:09, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T17:09:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 18 June 2021
Line 38:		Line 38:
	== Floating ==		== Floating ==

−	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks	+	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks.

	Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.		Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.
Line 44:		Line 44:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:Retractable.Hood.jpg]]	+	[[File:Retractable.Hood.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Hood.jpg]]

−	Hood Canal Bridge in Puget Sound, Washington.	+	The Hood Canal Bridge in Puget Sound, Washington.
	\|}		\|}

Line 91:		Line 91:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:Retractable.Irvine.jpg]]	+	[[File:Retractable.Irvine.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Irvine.jpg]]

	The Bridge of Scottish Invention in North Ayrshire, Scotland.		The Bridge of Scottish Invention in North Ayrshire, Scotland.
Line 104:		Line 104:
	* River engineering.		* River engineering.
	* Swing bridge.		* Swing bridge.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Water]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Conservation]]

Editor at 17:06, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T17:06:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 18 June 2021
Line 17:		Line 17:
	This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.		This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.

−	[[File:RetractableBridge.gif]]	+	[[File:RetractableBridge.gif\|link=File:RetractableBridge.gif]]

	Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.		Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.
Line 41:		Line 41:

	Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.		Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.
		+
		+	{\|
		+	\|width="100%"\|
		+	[[File:Retractable.Hood.jpg]]
		+
		+	Hood Canal Bridge in Puget Sound, Washington.
		+	\|}

	= History =		= History =
Line 61:		Line 68:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:Retractable.Brooklyn.jpg]]	+	[[File:Retractable.Brooklyn.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Brooklyn.jpg]]

	The Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York.		The Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York.
Line 73:		Line 80:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:RetractableLittlehampton.jpg]]	+	[[File:RetractableLittlehampton.jpg\|link=File:RetractableLittlehampton.jpg]]

	The Red Bridge in Littlehampton, Sussex.		The Red Bridge in Littlehampton, Sussex.
Line 80:		Line 87:
	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.		The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.

−	~~Caption:~~ The Bridge of Scottish Invention was the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Britain.	+	The Bridge of Scottish Invention was the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Britain.

−	~~<br />~~	+	{\|
−	~~<br />~~	+	\|width="100%"\|
−	~~The retractable footbridge over the River~~ Irvine	+	[[File:Retractable.Irvine.jpg]]

−	The ~~retractable footbridge over the River Irvine~~	+	The Bridge of Scottish Invention in North Ayrshire, Scotland.
−		+	\|}
−	~~cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Steve Daniels - geograph.org.uk/p/6435335~~	+

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 17:00, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T17:00:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:00, 18 June 2021
Line 16:		Line 16:

	This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.		This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.
		+
		+	[[File:RetractableBridge.gif]]

	Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.		Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.
Line 29:		Line 31:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg]]	+	[[File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg]]

	Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, US.		Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, US.
Line 38:		Line 40:
	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks		Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks

−	Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in Washington ~~State, US~~. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.	+	Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.

	= History =		= History =
Line 46:		Line 48:
	{\|		{\|
	\|width="100%"\|		\|width="100%"\|
−	[[File:Retractable.Ranelli.jpg]]	+	[[File:Retractable.Ranelli.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Ranelli.jpg]]

	This copper-plate engraving from ‘Le diverse et artificiose machine’ (The various and ingenious machines) illustrates the concept proposed by Agostino Ramelli (1531-c 1600).		This copper-plate engraving from ‘Le diverse et artificiose machine’ (The various and ingenious machines) illustrates the concept proposed by Agostino Ramelli (1531-c 1600).
Line 57:		Line 59:
	Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross it (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.		Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross it (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.

−	~~<br />~~	+	{\|
−	~~Caption~~	+	\|width="100%"\|
		+	[[File:Retractable.Brooklyn.jpg]]

−	~~Completed~~ in ~~1889~~, ~~it is the oldest of the four remaining retractable bridges in the United States and is an official city landmark~~.	+	The Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York.
−		+	\|}
−	By uberzombie from Brooklyn, NY - Carroll Street BridgeUploaded by vcohen, CC BY 2.0, [https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25777100 https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25777100]	+

	<br />		<br />
	The Littlehampton ferry footbridge was built in the 1980s. Known by locals as The Red Bridge, this retractable pedestrian bridge over the River Arun in Sussex is made from concrete, brick and steel. Powered by electricity, the structure retracts to accommodate ships that require access to adjacent industrial areas.		The Littlehampton ferry footbridge was built in the 1980s. Known by locals as The Red Bridge, this retractable pedestrian bridge over the River Arun in Sussex is made from concrete, brick and steel. Powered by electricity, the structure retracts to accommodate ships that require access to adjacent industrial areas.

−	~~Caption:~~ The Littlehampton retractable bridge underwent a refurbishment in April 2021. The project included repainting the bridge - in its trademark red colour - with a product designed to reduce maintenance costs.	+	The Littlehampton retractable bridge underwent a refurbishment in April 2021. The project included repainting the bridge - in its trademark red colour - with a product designed to reduce maintenance costs.

−	~~<br />~~	+	{\|
−	~~Littlehampton Retractable Bridge~~	+	\|width="100%"\|
		+	[[File:RetractableLittlehampton.jpg]]

−	~~cc-by-sa/2~~.~~0 - © Chris Andrews - geograph.org.uk/p/6143164~~	+	The Red Bridge in Littlehampton, Sussex.
		+	\|}

	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.		The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.
Line 79:		Line 83:

	<br />		<br />
−
−
	<br />		<br />
	The retractable footbridge over the River Irvine		The retractable footbridge over the River Irvine

Editor at 16:53, 18 June 2021

2021-06-18T16:53:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 18 June 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{\|		{\|
−	~~\|width="100%"~~\| [[File:Retractable.Demerara.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:Retractable.Demerara.jpg\|link=File:Retractable.Demerara.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Retractable bridges, such as this one Demerara Harbour, are popular in Guyana.	+	\| Retractable bridges, such as this one located in Demerara Harbour, are popular in Guyana.
	\|}		\|}

Line 13:		Line 13:
	One kind of movable bridge is a retractable bridge or thrust bridge. Modern versions of rolling bridges may be referred to as retractable bridges.		One kind of movable bridge is a retractable bridge or thrust bridge. Modern versions of rolling bridges may be referred to as retractable bridges.

−	Retractable bridges	+	= Retractable bridges =

	This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.		This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.
Line 19:		Line 19:
	Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.		Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.

−	Retractile	+	There are different types of retractable bridges. These include retractile and floating bridges.
		+
		+	== Retractile ==

	A retractile bridge is a type of retractable bridge where the span is pulled away diagonally on rails. It is believed that the retractile bridge was invented by Thomas Willis Pratt in the 1860s.		A retractile bridge is a type of retractable bridge where the span is pulled away diagonally on rails. It is believed that the retractile bridge was invented by Thomas Willis Pratt in the 1860s.

−	~~Significance:~~ The Summer Street Bridge ~~(over Reserved Channel) is the older of two known retractile drawbridges surviving~~ in Massachusetts, ~~and one of only four known to survive~~ in ~~the United States~~. The ~~Summer Street Bridge is an advanced example of an unusual~~ bridge ~~type which eventually gave way to simpler, less expensive types~~ of ~~movable bridges~~ in ~~the twentieth century~~. ~~built in 1899 in Boston, Massachusetts,~~ over the ~~Fort Point~~ Channel~~. It still stands~~, but the ~~draw~~ was ~~welded shut and the motors removed~~ in 1970~~. It was the site of a terrible streetcar crash on the night of November 7, 1916~~.	+	The Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, is a retractile bridge that was built in 1899. The bridge was the site of a major traffic accident in 1916. It is still standing over the Reserved Channel, but the retractile function was decommissioned in 1970.

−	~~https~~:~~//picryl~~.~~com/media/summer-street-bridge-spanning-reserved-channel-boston-suffolk-county-ma-16~~	+	{\|
		+	\|width="100%"\|
		+	[[File:Retractable.Summer2.jpg]]

−	~~Historic American Engineering Record~~, ~~creator~~, ~~Library of Congress~~	+	Summer Street Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, US.
		+	\|}

−	Floating	+	== Floating ==

	Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks		Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks
Line 35:		Line 40:
	Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in Washington State, US. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.		Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in Washington State, US. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.

−	~~<br />~~	+	= History =

		+	Because the movement of retractable bridges can require a large dedicated area to accommodate its footprint, they are no longer commonly used. However, their origins date back to medieval times.

−	~~History~~	+	{\|
		+	\|width="100%"\|
		+	[[File:Retractable.Ranelli.jpg]]

−	~~Because~~ the ~~movement of retractable bridges can require a large dedicated area to accommodate its footprint, they are no longer commonly used. However, their origins date back to medieval times~~.	+	This copper-plate engraving from ‘Le diverse et artificiose machine’ (The various and ingenious machines) illustrates the concept proposed by Agostino Ramelli (1531-c 1600).
		+	\|}

	One early example was created in 1588 by Agostino Ramelli. The Italian engineer gained favour with King Henry III of France after providing a strategic method of military engineering that resulted in the breach of enemy defences. In his book of engineering designs, Ramelli proposed a retractable bridge for crossing a moat.		One early example was created in 1588 by Agostino Ramelli. The Italian engineer gained favour with King Henry III of France after providing a strategic method of military engineering that resulted in the breach of enemy defences. In his book of engineering designs, Ramelli proposed a retractable bridge for crossing a moat.

−	~~Courtesy of Science History Institute, source:~~	+	= Noteworthy retractable bridges =
−		+
−	~~https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/4b29b614k/viewer/70795793h~~	+
−		+
−	~~Copper-plate engraving from ‘Le diverse et artificiose machine’ (The various and ingenious machines) by Agostino Ramelli (1531-c 1600) published in Paris in 1588.~~	+
−		+
−	Noteworthy retractable bridges	+

	Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross it (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.		Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross it (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.

	<br />		<br />
−	~~<br />~~
−	~~<br />~~
−	~~<br />~~
−
−
	Caption		Caption

	Completed in 1889, it is the oldest of the four remaining retractable bridges in the United States and is an official city landmark.		Completed in 1889, it is the oldest of the four remaining retractable bridges in the United States and is an official city landmark.

−	By uberzombie from Brooklyn, NY - Carroll Street BridgeUploaded by vcohen, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25777100	+	By uberzombie from Brooklyn, NY - Carroll Street BridgeUploaded by vcohen, CC BY 2.0, [https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25777100 https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25777100]

	<br />		<br />
−	~~<br />~~
−
−
	The Littlehampton ferry footbridge was built in the 1980s. Known by locals as The Red Bridge, this retractable pedestrian bridge over the River Arun in Sussex is made from concrete, brick and steel. Powered by electricity, the structure retracts to accommodate ships that require access to adjacent industrial areas.		The Littlehampton ferry footbridge was built in the 1980s. Known by locals as The Red Bridge, this retractable pedestrian bridge over the River Arun in Sussex is made from concrete, brick and steel. Powered by electricity, the structure retracts to accommodate ships that require access to adjacent industrial areas.

Line 75:		Line 70:

	<br />		<br />
−
−
	Littlehampton Retractable Bridge		Littlehampton Retractable Bridge

	cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Andrews - geograph.org.uk/p/6143164		cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Andrews - geograph.org.uk/p/6143164
−
−	~~<br />~~
−	~~<br />~~
−

	The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.		The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.
Line 89:		Line 78:
	Caption: The Bridge of Scottish Invention was the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Britain.		Caption: The Bridge of Scottish Invention was the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Britain.

−	~~<br />~~
	<br />		<br />


		+	<br />
	The retractable footbridge over the River Irvine		The retractable footbridge over the River Irvine

Line 99:		Line 88:
	cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Steve Daniels - geograph.org.uk/p/6435335		cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Steve Daniels - geograph.org.uk/p/6435335

−	Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	~~Bascule bridge.~~	+
−		+
−	~~Bridge construction.~~	+
−		+
−	~~Bridge structures.~~	+
−		+
−	~~Pontoon bridge.~~	+
−		+
−	~~River engineering.~~	+

−	Swing bridge.	+	* Bascule bridge.
		+	* Bridge construction.
		+	* Bridge structures.
		+	* Pontoon bridge.
		+	* River engineering.
		+	* Swing bridge.

Editor: Created page with "{| |width="100%"| File:Retractable.Demerara.jpg |- | Retractable bridges, such as this one Demerara Harbour, are popular in Guyana. |} = Introduction = Bridges are a common..."

2021-06-18T16:36:52Z

Created page with "{| |width="100%"| File:Retractable.Demerara.jpg |- | Retractable bridges, such as this one Demerara Harbour, are popular in Guyana. |} = Introduction = Bridges are a common..."

New page

{|
|width="100%"| [[File:Retractable.Demerara.jpg]]
|-
| Retractable bridges, such as this one Demerara Harbour, are popular in Guyana.
|}

= Introduction =

Bridges are a common feature of the built environment and one of the key elements of civil engineering. The basic principles of bridge design are dependent on the load-bearing structure. These are generally beam, arch or suspension structures.

Some bridges are also defined by other characteristics, for example a movable bridge is defined by its functionality. These bridges are designed in a way that allows them to accommodate different situations and different types of traffic.

One kind of movable bridge is a retractable bridge or thrust bridge. Modern versions of rolling bridges may be referred to as retractable bridges.

Retractable bridges

This type of movable bridge can slide to the proper position in order to provide clearance for waterway traffic. There are several methods that can be used to perform the retraction function.

Retractable bridges may be a feasible option when it is important to provide substantial horizontal clearance for vessels. For instance, retractable bridges can be practical over canals.

Retractile

A retractile bridge is a type of retractable bridge where the span is pulled away diagonally on rails. It is believed that the retractile bridge was invented by Thomas Willis Pratt in the 1860s.

Significance: The Summer Street Bridge (over Reserved Channel) is the older of two known retractile drawbridges surviving in Massachusetts, and one of only four known to survive in the United States. The Summer Street Bridge is an advanced example of an unusual bridge type which eventually gave way to simpler, less expensive types of movable bridges in the twentieth century. built in 1899 in Boston, Massachusetts, over the Fort Point Channel. It still stands, but the draw was welded shut and the motors removed in 1970. It was the site of a terrible streetcar crash on the night of November 7, 1916.

https://picryl.com/media/summer-street-bridge-spanning-reserved-channel-boston-suffolk-county-ma-16

Historic American Engineering Record, creator, Library of Congress

Floating

Some retractable bridges in the Netherlands are floating bridges known vlotbrugs. These floating bridges are positioned across canals; when necessary, the road is retracted into structures that have been built into the canal banks

Another example is the Hood Canal pontoon bridge that spans across the Puget Sound in Washington State, US. When the bridge needs to be opened for waterway traffic, a section of the floating roadway is hydraulically raised up so the retracting portion can slide underneath it.

 

History

Because the movement of retractable bridges can require a large dedicated area to accommodate its footprint, they are no longer commonly used. However, their origins date back to medieval times.

One early example was created in 1588 by Agostino Ramelli. The Italian engineer gained favour with King Henry III of France after providing a strategic method of military engineering that resulted in the breach of enemy defences. In his book of engineering designs, Ramelli proposed a retractable bridge for crossing a moat.

Courtesy of Science History Institute, source:

https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/4b29b614k/viewer/70795793h

Copper-plate engraving from ‘Le diverse et artificiose machine’ (The various and ingenious machines) by Agostino Ramelli (1531-c 1600) published in Paris in 1588.

Noteworthy retractable bridges

Built in 1889, the Carroll Street Bridge in Brooklyn, New York is one of the oldest retractable bridges in the United States. It is one of New York City’s last bridges with wooden planks to allow automobiles to cross it (although there are strict height and weight restrictions). It was designated as a New York landmark in 1987.

 
 
 
 

Caption

Completed in 1889, it is the oldest of the four remaining retractable bridges in the United States and is an official city landmark.

By uberzombie from Brooklyn, NY - Carroll Street BridgeUploaded by vcohen, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25777100

 
 

The Littlehampton ferry footbridge was built in the 1980s. Known by locals as The Red Bridge, this retractable pedestrian bridge over the River Arun in Sussex is made from concrete, brick and steel. Powered by electricity, the structure retracts to accommodate ships that require access to adjacent industrial areas.

Caption: The Littlehampton retractable bridge underwent a refurbishment in April 2021. The project included repainting the bridge - in its trademark red colour - with a product designed to reduce maintenance costs.

 

Littlehampton Retractable Bridge

cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Andrews - geograph.org.uk/p/6143164

 
 

The Bridge of Scottish Invention is a retractable footbridge situated over the River Irvine. It was built to provide access to The Big Idea science centre in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The museum closed in 2003 after just three years in operation. However, the bridge still retracts to allow tall ships to pass through.

Caption: The Bridge of Scottish Invention was the closest bridge to the open sea of any movable bridge across a river in Britain.

 
 

The retractable footbridge over the River Irvine

The retractable footbridge over the River Irvine

cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Steve Daniels - geograph.org.uk/p/6435335

Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

Bascule bridge.

Bridge construction.

Bridge structures.

Pontoon bridge.

River engineering.

Swing bridge.