General Discussion

The journey of a bridge begins long before the first pillar is poured, rooted in meticulous planning and design. Engineers must first conduct extensive geological surveys to understand the soil and rock conditions of the site, while also analyzing the water flow if crossing a river. This data informs critical decisions about the bridge's type—such as beam, arch, suspension, or cable-stayed—and the optimal materials, whether concrete, steel, or a composite. The design phase must also account for the intended load capacity, environmental impact, potential seismic activity, and, crucially, the budget and timeline, ensuring the final structure is safe, functional, and economically viable.

With a finalized design, the project moves to the construction phase, starting with the substructure—the foundation and supports that bear the bridge's immense weight. This often involves building coffer dams or drilling deep caissons to reach stable bedrock for the piers below water or unstable soil. Once the…

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