A bascule bridge is a drawbridge with a counterweight that continuously balances the span, or "leaf", throughout the entire upward swing in providing clearance for boat traffic. Bascule is a French term for seesaw and balance, and bascule bridges operate along the same principle. They are the most common type of movable bridge in existence because they open quickly and require relatively little energy to operate.
Although the bascule bridge has been in use since ancient times, it was not until the 1880s that engineers developed the ability to move very long, heavy spans quick enough for practical application. Tower Bridge in London was the first large bascule bridge and is supposedly the most famous bascule bridge in the world.
Types of Bascule Bridges
Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge
Rall bascule bridge - patented by Theodore Rall in 1901.
A bascule bridge is a drawbridge with a counterweight that continuously balances the span, or "leaf", throughout the entire upward swing in providing clearance for boat traffic.
Bascule is a French term for seesaw and balance, and bascule bridges operate along the same principle.
Although the bascule bridge has been in use since ancient times, it was not until the 1880s that engineers developed the ability to move very long, heavy spans quickly enough for practical application.
Due to the size of the bascule leaves and the need for counterbalancing, it was beneficial to provide an efficient structure which minimizes the weight of the leaves where feasible to achieve an economical design.
Due to the size of the counterweight, and the 78 degree angle of opening needed for the bascule leaf, a sizable clear space had to be provided between the support columns to allow for the movement of the counterweight.
The upper section of each bascule pier above the shaft is shaped to conform to the enclosed space required to accommodate the movement of the counterweight as the span opens and closes.
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