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ENGINEERING, CS 2025 HSC 26b

Explain how the introduction of steel beams in bridge construction has affected people's lives.   (3 marks)

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  • Steel beams have high tensile and compressive strength. This allows bridges to span greater distances and support heavier loads than traditional materials.
  • As a result, transport networks have expanded, enabling faster movement of people and goods across regions.
  • This has led to growth in trade and industry, lowering the cost of goods and improving economic opportunities for communities.
Show Worked Solution
  • Steel beams have high tensile and compressive strength. This allows bridges to span greater distances and support heavier loads than traditional materials.
  • As a result, transport networks have expanded, enabling faster movement of people and goods across regions.
  • This has led to growth in trade and industry, lowering the cost of goods and improving economic opportunities for communities.

ENGINEERING, CS 2021 HSC 21a

Some large cities, such as Sydney, have bridges which span large bodies of water.

Outline TWO ways in which the construction of such bridges affects society.   (2 marks)

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  • Bridges spanning large bodies of water allow for faster travel than other existing transport such as ferries.
  • This results in greater work productivity due to faster commuting. People will also have greater opportunity to work and recreate on both sides of the bridge.

Other advantages could include:

  • Greater use of major infrastructure like hospitals, schools and stadiums
  • Train lines can be constructed on the bridge to allow for extra mass transit
  • Reduction in existing transport on the harbour such as ferries
  • Potential increase in leisure time
Show Worked Solution
  • Bridges spanning large bodies of water allow for faster travel than other existing transport such as ferries.
  • This results in greater work productivity due to faster commuting. People will also have greater opportunity to work and recreate on both sides of the bridge.  

Other advantages could include:

  • Greater use of major infrastructure like hospitals, schools and stadiums
  • Train lines can be constructed on the bridge to allow for extra mass transit
  • Reduction in existing transport on the harbour such as ferries
  • Potential increase in leisure time