Bridge abutments

Bridge abutments play a critical role in ensuring the stability and safety of bridges, since they transfer the loads from the superstructure to the ground while they are accounting for factors like soil conditions and water flow. More specifically, bridge abutments are the support structures that anchor the ends of a bridge to the ground and provide stability to the entire bridge system. They serve as the connection points between the bridge superstructure and the foundation beneath. Abutments are typically designed to resist the horizontal and vertical forces exerted by the bridge's weight, traffic loads, and environmental factors, e.g. wind and seismic activity. Their shape and design depend on the type of bridge and the surrounding landscape and hence, they can be massive concrete structures, retaining walls, or earth embankments. It should be mentioned that they often include features such as wing walls to help guide water flow or protect against erosion.