Bridge Engineering MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Bridge bearings must sit well inside the pier cap edge so the concrete does not crack or break at the edge.

Step-by-step solution

1. The question is about the clearance from the edge of the bearing plate to the pier (pier cap) edge. 2. Units are given as 'm', but 100 m to 600 m is not possible for a bearing. These must be mm. 3. Common bridge practice (IRC) keeps about 150 mm to 250 mm or more as the edge distance.

Explanation

The bearing must not be placed too near the edge of the pier cap. A clear edge distance stops the concrete from spalling under the bearing load. In the options, 250 mm is the most practical value.

Common mistake

Reading the unit as metres, when the intended unit is mm.