NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

What role does a bridge abutment play in relation to the embankment?

1. It only supports the superstructure of the bridge

2. It provides drainage for the embankment

3. It laterally supports the approach embankment

4. It connects the bridge to the roadway

The correct answer is: It laterally supports the approach embankment

The bridge abutment plays a crucial role in laterally supporting the approach embankment. Its primary function is to anchor the ends of the bridge superstructure and to transfer the loads from the bridge to the ground. In doing so, the abutment also stabilizes the approach embankment, preventing lateral movement that could destabilize the slope or lead to erosion. This lateral support is vital because it helps to maintain the integrity of both the bridge and the roadway leading up to it, ensuring that they can safely accommodate traffic. While the abutment does indeed support the superstructure of the bridge, its role in managing the embankment's stability is equally critical. The drainage aspect of the embankment can be managed through various design features, but the primary function of the abutment is not drainage. Similarly, while the abutment does connect the bridge to the roadway, this connection is not its primary role; the emphasis is on providing lateral support to ensure overall stability in the system.