Hello aspirant,

Abutment. A retaining wall supporting the ends of a bridge, and, in general, retaining or supporting the approach embankment. Approach. The part of the bridge that carries traffic from the land to the main parts of the bridge.

The design requirements for abutments are similar to those for retaining walls and for piers; each must be stable against overturning and sliding. Abutment foundations must also be designed to prevent differential settlement and excessive lateral movements.

Single-span bridges have abutments at each end which provide vertical and lateral support for the span, as well as acting as retaining walls to resist lateral movement of the earthen fill of the bridge approach.

Thankyou