As the temperature of the bridge increases during the day, the metal expands. This causes the bridge to lengthen. If there are no expansion gaps, the bridge will buckle and could collapse.
Contraction
As the temperature of the bridge decreases at night, the metal contracts. This causes the bridge to shorten. If there are no expansion gaps, the bridge will pull apart and could collapse.
Wind
Wind can also cause a bridge to sway and buckle. If there are no expansion gaps, the bridge could be damaged or destroyed by the wind.
Expansion gaps
Expansion gaps are spaces between the sections of a bridge that allow the bridge to expand and contract without buckling or collapsing. Expansion gaps are typically filled with a compressible material, such as rubber or cork.
