INTERCONNECTION PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR ENGINEERING

 

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR ENGINEERING UNIT 25. INTERCONNECTION

 

A Attaching and supporting The individual components that make up assemblies and structures can be connected (or connected together) in different ways. The pictures below show an example: a connection (or joint) between a steel column and a concrete foundation. The foundation supports the column, preventing downward movement. As well as providing support, it anchors the column, holding it in position to stop it sliding or lifting. To provide a connection, bots are attached to a plate at the bottom of column – called a base plate. The bottoms of the bolts are embedded in the concrete of the foundation – that is, they are surrounded and held by the concrete. B Fitting together When foundations for steel columns are poured, cone-shaped holes are formed in the concrete to accommodate bolts to hold down the base plate. The holes allow the tops of the bolts to have a certain amount of play – that is, they are free to move slightly. This means the bolts can be adjusted (moved as required) to allow the bolts to slot through the holes in the base plate ,so that the plate and bolts can fit together. EXERCISES 25.1 Complete the description of parts of a suspension bridge using the correct forms of words from A opposite. Sometimes there is more than one possible answer. Photo 1 shows a suspension bridge. The bridge’s two main cables are (1)____________ by towers. The cables are (2)____________ at each end by huge blocks of concrete, which are deeply (3)____________ in the ground. 25.2 Match the two parts of the sentences about possible technical issues during the installation of cable saddles on anew suspension bridge. Look at B opposite to help you. 1. These bolts are slightly too thick, so 2. Some of the saddles don’t fit tightly enough – there’s a slight gap between the saddle and the cable, so 3. The holes in the top of this saddle don’t line up exactly with the holes in the bottom part, so

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