Interconnection
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, bolts are attached to a plate at the bottom of the 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.
attached.
connected.
joined.
attached
A and Bare connected
fastened
together.
fixed
held
joined
attached
connected
A is fastened to B.
fixed
joined
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.
As the column is lowered into position, wedges enable
steel wedges are placed below the base column to be
plate. These act as packers (also called plumbed
spacers or shims), and leave a gap
(narrow space) between the plate and
the concrete. The wedges also enable
adjustments to be made. By hammering
a wedge horizontally, the side of the base
plate can be lifted, allowing the column
to be plumbed (made exactly vertical).
A type of cement, called grout, is then
placed beneath the base plate. This fills
the gap between the base plate and the ped holes
foundation, and the holes around the bolts.
It also seals the joint against rainwater, -concrete foundation
protecting the bolts from corrosion.
Section at column base
56 Professional English in Use Engineering
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 Photo 2
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.
Photo 2 shows a (4) ................................ between one of the bridge's main cables, and two
smaller suspender cables. The suspender cables are (5) ................................ to the main cable
by a component called a saddle. The saddle is made up of two parts that are fixed
(6) ................................ by bolts. The many wires which make up the main cable are covered by
a protective layer of very thin wire that is wrapped around the main cable in the form of a
helix (the shape of a spring).
25.2 Match the two parts of the sentences about possible technical issues during the installation of
cable saddles on a new 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
4 The wire that's wrapped around the outside of the main cable isn't sealed against the edge
of some of the saddles, so
5 The saddles are all different - they're manufactured to correspond with the angle of the
main cable at the point where they're fixed, so
a they won't fit together properly.
b the joints aren't properly protected against rainwater.
c they're not designed for adjustment.
d they won't slot through the holes in the saddles.
e even when they're fully tightened there's too much play.
Ove,r ..f-o 1:fou ~
Think of a device or structure you're familiar with. Describe how it fits together, and how
different components are fixed and/or supported.
Professional English in Use Engineering 57
