A tilting bridge is a movable bridge that opens by rotating about a horizontal axis set at right angles to the direction of navigation. The bridge deck tilts as a whole, either upward or to the side, creating space for shipping. The tilting bridge is one variant within the family of movable bridges.
How does a tilting bridge work?
On most movable bridges the axis of rotation runs parallel to the water (as with a bascule bridge, which lifts upward). What makes the tilting bridge special is that its axis of rotation is set at right angles to the waterway. The deck therefore tilts about that axis rather than folding straight up. Often a counterweight or a hydraulic system provides the movement.
Application
Tilting bridges are used to:
- Give passage to shipping over waterways, canals, and harbours
- Provide a striking, architectural solution; because of their unusual movement, they are sometimes a landmark
Well-known examples are the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in England and the Scheepsdale bridge in Bruges.
Related bridge types
The tilting bridge belongs to the movable bridges. The difference between the types lies mainly in the position and direction of the axis of rotation:
- Bascule bridge — axis parallel to the water, deck lifts up
- Drawbridge — deck is pulled up with chains
- Swing bridge — deck turns horizontally to the side
- Retractable bridge — deck rolls or slides horizontally away
Related terms
- Movable bridge
- Bascule bridge
- Drawbridge
- Swing bridge
- Bridge
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