V. Are these sentences True or False?

1. A substantial amount of data is needed at the end of the design work for a bridge.

2. The degree of difficulty of the foundation work has a considerable influence on the choice of the structural system and on the economical span length.

3. The scale of the environment doesn’t have an influence on the design.

4. Bridges in towns that affect the urban environment especially pedestrian bridges don’t need any delicate shaping and treatment.

5. Noise protection is often necessary for houses close to the bridges.

 

VI. Ask the questions to the sentences. The underlined words will be answers. Begin your questions with words Why? What? Where? When?

Ex. When does the designer need a substantial amount of data? - Before the construction.

1. Before the construction the designer needs a substantial amount of data.

2. All obstacles to the bridges are shown on the plan of the construction site.

3. To build more economically an efficient bridge it is necessary to know what materials are available in this part of the country.

4. Soil conditions define the degree of difficulty of foundation works.

5. The design has to be aesthetic because the structure must be harmonious with

the environment.

6. To protect pedestrians from spray and noise designers provided special facilities.

 

VII. Read the text and write the list of the main ideas of bridge designing.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS IN DESIGNING LARGE BRIDGES

 

The data described above must be fully assimilated and remembered. The bridge must then take its initial shape in the imagination of the designer. He should know, when a beam bridge, an arch or a suspension bridge will be suitable, what influences foundation conditions, and which depths of girder he will need for a certain span etc.

As soon as a design idea has taken shape in the mind, then the first sketches can be drawn. The first sketch will then be critically regarded and questioned about the proportions of the bridge. A second - or even a third sketch may follow including the cross sections of the superstructure and concepts for the piers. The sketches are discussed with colleagues. Suitable construction methods may be discussed and considered.

For larger bridges, one should work through one or two alternatives trying out other spans and other structural systems and make comparisons, in order to find the best solution.

After several such correction phases, a fair copy of the chosen solution will now be drawn. Only now calculations should begin, and in the first place with simple and rough approximations to check whether the assumed dimensions will be sufficient.

Then some work with computer programs can be made, using different depths or other variables in order to find the most economical dimensions.

Once the designer and the design team have made their choice, then the principle design drawings with all dimensions and explanations can be drawn up for approval of the authorities.

Since drawings alone are not sufficient to judge the appearance and impact of the bridge on its environment, one should get a model made with parts of the surrounding scenery or use good photos from different view points showing perspectives of the bridge that are drawn exactly to scale.

After the approval of the design, the final design work can begin with rigorous calculations of forces, stresses etc. for all kinds of loads or attacks. Then the structural detailing has to be done.

The scaffolding and equipment, which will be needed for the construction of the particular type of bridge, also has to be worked out.

 

VIII. Make a short presentation (5 min.) of the bridge design technology. Imagine that you are making your presentation to your colleagues at the conference. Use the following ideas:

Introducing yourself

Good morning, everyone/Let me introduce myself. My name is… / I’m a specialist in…

Structuring the presentation

I’m going to divide my talk into three/four/five parts/First I’ll give you …, after that…, finally…

Inviting questions

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask them/I’ll be glad to answer any questions (at the end of my talk).

Giving information

I’ll give you some background/additional/necessary information/Let’s start with the survey/data/background information.

Referring to the audience knowledge

As you know…/As you are aware…

Changing the topic

Right, let’s now move on to…/Ok, I’ll now look at…

Concluding

To sum up…/So, to revise….

Referring to visuals

If you look at the graph/slide/photo/drawing…/Could I draw your attention to the chart/picture…?

Ending

Thanks very much. Any questions?/Well, that’s all I have to say./Thank you for listening.

SECTION III.  PRESENTING LONG SPAN BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

Unit 4.                     STEEL SUSPENSION BRIDGES

I. Match the English words with their Russian equivalents.

1. suspender                           a) башня (пилон)

2. anchor                      b) жёсткость

3. rigidity                      c) анкерное крепление

4. depth                        d) переменная нагрузка

5. live load                    e) ферма

6. dead load                           f) глубина (высота балки)

7. truss                         g) постоянная нагрузка

8. tower                        h) подвеска

 

II. Match the words or phrases on the left to their definitions on the right.

1. eyebar 2. falsework 3. prefabricated parts 4. prestressed concrete 5. strand 6. cantilever 7. cable 8. deck 9. pier 10.pylon 11. span

a) a cable made of a number of wires b) a bracket c) a framework supporting something under construction d) concrete with previously tensioned reinforcement e) to manufacture sections of a construction in a factory, so that they can be easily transported to and rapidly assembled on a building site f) a rod with a hole on one or both ends g) part of a bridge the cars drive on h) the distance from one pier of the bridge to the other i) a tall tower that holds heavy wires j) s thick, strong metal rope k) a tall, strong column which holds a bridge up.