Table bridge

A table bridge is a moveable bridge in which the deck moves along the vertical axis. Four hydraulic pillars under the bridge, two at each end, raise the bridge deck to allow barge traffic to pass beneath it. In contrast to a lift bridge, where the deck is pulled upwards along towers, the deck of a table bridge is pushed upwards by otherwise hidden pillars. The name originates from the fact that when open it resembles a table.

Table bridge
Animation of operation
AncestorPlate girder bridge,
RelatedLift bridge, bascule bridge, submersible bridge
DescendantNone
CarriesAutomobile, pedestrians
Span rangeShort
MaterialSteel
MovableYes
Design effortMedium
Falsework requiredNo

The total space required by a table bridge is hardly larger than the bridge deck, which is not the case with a thrust bridge. Unlike a lift bridge this type has only slight visual impact upon its surroundings when closed for use by road traffic. This is very well demonstrated by the Pont levant Notre Dame at Tournai in Belgium.

Examples of table bridges

Several rivers and waterways are home to multiple examples of table bridges. These include but are not limited to:

A table bridge in operation

Left: Looking across the Pont levant Notre Dame (in front of the first row of buildings); Center: Seen from the same viewpoint, the bridge is up; Right: Overlooking the canalized river, a self-propelled canal boat passes

See also

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