Comprehension check

I. Decide whether the following statements are true or false according to the text:

1. An incomplete structure may be subjected to tension and compression

2. Serious research is done before any actual construction is done.

3. The construction of bridges is always greeted by the public.

4. The collapse of several girder bridges in the 1960’s helped to understand the stresses better.

5. The variation in stresses during construction demands jacking.

6. Excavation for foundation is always taken through unsuitable ground before solid rock is reached.

7. The pillars of the towers of suspension bridges are stabilized by cables which are removed after the completion.

8. Arches are usually supported by towers.

9. ‘Keystone’ is an important part of a finished arch.

II. Answer the questions

1. What are the most ingenious parts of bridge building?

2. Why is the construction work a grave hindrance to normal life in the area?

3. What is done before any construction work?

4. How can computer simulations supplement the tests?

5. How can the stresses of the structure differ?

6. When must jacking be provided?

7. What are the difficulties in excavation for foundations?

8. How can the pillars of the towers of big suspension bridges be stabilized?

9. What is a keystone?

LANGUAGE FOCUS

III. Match the words with their synonyms.

1. complicated a) accessible

2. ingenious b)suggestion

3. available c) destruction

4. investigation d) complex

5. proposal e) inventive

6. collapse f) research

7. feat g) connect

8. join h) exploit

IV. Match the words with their opposites

1. top a) mild

2. solid b)above

3. severe c) proper

4. below d) to forget

5. unsuitable e) to disappear

6. temporary f) bottom

7. to remind g) constant

8. to arise h) soft

V. Insert the prepositions.

To subject … sth, … the form of sth, in conjunction … sth, in case … sth, a great variety … sth, an opposition … sth, to differ … sth, a set … sth, to prevent … sth, the origin … sth, the value … sth, to deal … sth.

VI. Insert the words from the list

spans, cantilevers, jack, rams, completion

1. The four legs of the Tour Eiffel were provided with … which were adjusted from time to time as the structure grew. Even after … a concrete structure may be subject to creep and the ground may settle.

2. Above ground, until … are joined wind, can be a great hazard.

3. Before the Pont de Normandie was completed? There was serious discussion about the use of active stabilizers to keep the long thin … in place.

4. Large weight would have been moved by ….

VII. Make the precis of the text