Pontoon Bridge: Meaning, Building Mechanism, Use, Benefits

A pontoon bridges are made of a number of floating objects or pontoons that are connected to create a roadway. The pontoons are anchored to the riverbed or a lake bottom and are commonly composed of steel, aluminium, or plastic. Concrete, steel or wood are all viable materials for the road.

Pontoon bridges are used to provide momentary passageways across waterways or other barriers, such as gorges or ravines. They are frequently used by the military to transport personnel and equipment, as well as by construction crews to enter project sites. They can also be utilised for special occasions like parades or festivals.

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Pontoon bridge: Features

• Floating structures: A roadway is created by connecting a number of floating structures, or pontoons, to create a pontoon bridge. Typically built of plastic, steel, or aluminium, pontoons are intended to float on the water.
• Anchors: They are used to secure the pontoons to the lake or river bottom and maintain the stability of the bridge. Concrete blocks, steel cables, and other materials can be used to create anchors.
• Roadway: The pontoons support the roadway, which is built of concrete, steel, or wood. Typically, there is ample space on the road for cars, passengers, and other traffic.
• Contemporary design: Pontoon bridges have a modular design that makes rapid and simple assembly and disassembly possible. They may be altered in breadth and length to fit various circumstances thanks to their modular architecture.
• Flexibility: Pontoon bridges are an option for locations where conventional bridges are impractical or impossible. They can be utilised to go across rivers, gorges, ravines, and other barriers.
• Maintenance: To keep pontoon bridges in good shape, some maintenance is required. Inspecting the anchors, fixing any pontoon or road damage, and modifying the anchors and pontoons as necessary can all be part of this.

 

Pontoon bridges in India

 

Pontoon bridge over the Teesta River

In Sikkim, a Bailey Bridge, a kind of transportable, prefabricated truss bridge, was built in 2016. The Indian Army constructed the bridge to link two villages that had been shut off from the rest of the state by landslides.

 

Pontoon bridge over the Yamuna River

In order to reduce traffic congestion during the Kumbh Mela festival, a pontoon bridge was built over the Yamuna River in 2019. The Indian Army constructed the bridge, which could accommodate more than 2 lakh people each day.

 

Pontoon bridge across the Jhelum River

To link two villages that had been cut off by flooding and landslides, the Indian Army built a pontoon bridge over the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014.

 

Gujarat’s Ro-Ro Ferry Service

This state’s Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) ferry service used pontoon bridges to transport cars across the Gulf of Khambhat. Travel time and transport expenses have been greatly decreased thanks to the service that links Gujarat’s Saurashtra area with the southern portion of the state.

 

FAQs

What are the purposes of pontoon bridges?

Where conventional bridges are impractical or impossible, pontoon bridges are utilised to traverse waterways or other impediments. They are frequently used by the military to transport personnel and equipment, as well as by building workers to enter project sites. They may additionally be utilised for special occasions like parades or festivals.

Can heavy loads be supported on pontoon bridges?

Heavy weights can be supported by pontoon bridges; however, the weight capacity is influenced by the size and design of the bridge. They might not be as strong as conventional bridges in terms of weight capacity.

How are pontoon bridges maintained?

In order to maintain their good condition, pontoon bridges need considerable upkeep. This can involve checking the anchors, mending any roads or pontoons that have been harmed, and adjusting the fixings and pontoons as necessary.

How secure are pontoon bridges?

In general, pontoon bridges are secure as long as they are built and maintained correctly. The wind, waves, and currents, however, might have an impact on them and lessen their stability. When using pontoon bridges, it's crucial to adhere to the safety regulations.

 

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