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BRIDGE TERMS - G |
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gabion |
gabion - rock filled wire baskets used to retain earth and provide erosion control galvanic action - electrical current between two unlike metals galvanize - to coat with zinc gauge - the distance between parallel lines of rails, rivet holes, etc; a measure of thickness of sheet metal, or wire; also known as gage girder - a flexural member which is the main or primary support for the structure, and which usually receives loads from floor beams and stringers; any large beam, especially if built up girder bridge - a bridge whose superstructure consists of two or more girders supporting a separate floor system as differentiated from a multi-beam bridge or a slab bridge girder span - a span in which the major longitudinal supporting members are girders grade - the fall or rise per unit horizontal length; see GRADIENT grade crossing - a term applicable to an intersection of two highways, two railroads or one railroad and one highway at a common grade or elevation; now commonly accepted as meaning the last of these combinations grade intersection - the location where two roadway slopes meet in profile; to provide an easy transition from one to the other they are connected by a vertical curve and the resulting profile is a sag or a crest grade separation - roadways crossing each other at different elevations; see OVERPASS, UNDERPASS gradient - the rate of inclination of the roadway and/or sidewalk surface(s) from horizontal applying to a bridge and its approaches; it is commonly expressed as a percentage relation of horizontal to vertical dimensions gravity abutment - a heavy abutment which resists horizontal earth pressure through its own dead weight gravity wall - a retaining which is prevented from overturning its weight alone grid flooring - a steel floor system comprising a lattice pattern which may or may not be filled with concrete grillage - a platform-like construction used to insure distribution of loads upon unconsolidated soil material; see FOUNDATION GRILLAGE groin - a wall built out from a river bank to check scour grout - a mortar having a sufficient water content to render it a free-flowing mass, used for filling (grouting) the joints in masonry, for fixing anchor bolts and for filling cored spaces where water may accumulate guard pier - a pier-like structure built to protect the swing span in its open position from collision with passing vessels or other water-borne materials; may be equipped with a rest pier upon which the swing span in its open position may be latched; see FENDER PIER guardrail - a safety feature element intended to redirect an errant vehicle - away from the approach embankment guide rail - see GUARDRAIL gusset - a plate which connects the members of a structure and holds them in correct position at a joint; see SPLICE PLATE, STAY PLATE gutter - a paved drain commonly constructed in conjunction with the curbs of the roadway gutter grating - a perforated or barred cover placed upon an inlet to a drain to prevent the entrance of debris guy - a cable member to hold a structure in a desired position |
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