Jump to content

Zig-zag bridge: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
took away capitals
m Reverted edits by 96.224.25.41 (talk) to last revision by MegaPedant (HG)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Unreferenced|date=February 2010}}
ddvr64h 74jc748f8 84u8uue8uf 84jkf8 8949fir9do9e 949de9 839i9ei 94if9iod 9rof9of 94of83ikf 83iukdi d8id893id 94of9eoc 9ov9riov.
{{BridgeTypePix|type_name=Zig-zag Bridge|image=Zig zag best march.jpg|image_title=A practical marsh bridge<br>at [[Boxerwood Gardens]]|ancestor_names=[[Beam bridge]]|sibling_names=None|descendent_names=None|carries=[[Pedestrian]]s|span_range=Short|material=[[Post]] and [[plank]]|movable=No|design=Low|falsework=No}}

A '''zig-zag bridge''' is a [[pedestrian]] [[bridge]] composed of short segments, each set at an angle relative to its neighbors and usually with an alternating right and left turn required when traveling across the bridge. When constructed of wood, each segment is formed from planks and is supported by posts, while a stone bridge of this type will use short slabs set upon stone footings.

==As a practical bridge==
The post and plank version has an advantage when employed as a crossing of a muddy bottom or marsh: It is structurally stable, where a straight bridge might tend to tip due to the posts moving in the soft mud. Each segment of walkway mutually supports the next from twisting and tipping by being securely fastened to it. This is the same advantage possessed by a zig-zag split rail [[fence]]. A bridge of this type is seen in the image at upper right. This particular bridge is used to carry a wildland trail through an area of soft and often wet soil. The use of the bridge has a benefit also to the marsh, since it avoids soil compaction which could damage tree roots and which would also create a fast runoff of water and so possibly cause soil erosion.

==As a decorative or ceremonial bridge==
A '''zig-zag bridge''' is often seen in East Asian gardens. It may be made of stone slabs or planks as part of a pond design and is frequently seen in rustic [[garden]]s constructed according to [[Zen]] philosophy and teachings. As it often has no railings, it is quite possible for an inattentive walker to simply fall off an end into the water. The objective in employing such a bridge is to focus the walker's attention to the current place and time - "be here, now"

The zig-zag of paths and bridges also follows a principle of [[Feng Shui]]. Negative energy and bad spirits are believed to have problems navigating corners, while people and good energy have no such problem.

==See also==
*[[Japanese garden]]
*[[Moon bridge]]
*[[Step-stone bridge]]
*[[Zen garden]]
*[[Sweet Track]]

==External links==
*[http://www.myjapanesegarden.com/zigzag_bridge.htm A craftsperson shows how he built a small zig-zag garden pond bridge]
*[http://www.boxerwood.com Boxerwood park website, contributors of the wildland image]

[[Category:Pedestrian bridges| ]]

[[pt:Ponte em zig-zag]]

Revision as of 02:19, 25 May 2010

Zig-zag Bridge
A practical marsh bridge at Boxerwood Gardens
A practical marsh bridge
at Boxerwood Gardens
AncestorBeam bridge
RelatedNone
DescendantNone
CarriesPedestrians
Span rangeShort
MaterialPost and plank
MovableNo
Design effortLow
Falsework requiredNo

A zig-zag bridge is a pedestrian bridge composed of short segments, each set at an angle relative to its neighbors and usually with an alternating right and left turn required when traveling across the bridge. When constructed of wood, each segment is formed from planks and is supported by posts, while a stone bridge of this type will use short slabs set upon stone footings.

As a practical bridge

The post and plank version has an advantage when employed as a crossing of a muddy bottom or marsh: It is structurally stable, where a straight bridge might tend to tip due to the posts moving in the soft mud. Each segment of walkway mutually supports the next from twisting and tipping by being securely fastened to it. This is the same advantage possessed by a zig-zag split rail fence. A bridge of this type is seen in the image at upper right. This particular bridge is used to carry a wildland trail through an area of soft and often wet soil. The use of the bridge has a benefit also to the marsh, since it avoids soil compaction which could damage tree roots and which would also create a fast runoff of water and so possibly cause soil erosion.

As a decorative or ceremonial bridge

A zig-zag bridge is often seen in East Asian gardens. It may be made of stone slabs or planks as part of a pond design and is frequently seen in rustic gardens constructed according to Zen philosophy and teachings. As it often has no railings, it is quite possible for an inattentive walker to simply fall off an end into the water. The objective in employing such a bridge is to focus the walker's attention to the current place and time - "be here, now"

The zig-zag of paths and bridges also follows a principle of Feng Shui. Negative energy and bad spirits are believed to have problems navigating corners, while people and good energy have no such problem.

See also