What term describes the distance between centers of two bearings at supports?

• A. Deck Width
• B. Clear Span
• C. Total Bridge Length
• D. Span Length

Answer: (D)

Span length is the distance between the centers of the two bearings at the supports. This measures the actual span of the bridge—the length of the superstructure that carries the load between those supports. Deck width is across the bridge, not along its length; total bridge length includes approaches and overhangs beyond the main spans; clear span is the unobstructed distance between supports but doesn’t specifically refer to the center-to-center bearing distance. Since the question uses the centers of the end bearings, span length is the precise and standard term.