Trestle

A trestle is a supporting framework, typically made of a series of vertical and sloping members (usually wooden or steel), designed to bear a heavy load over an obstacle such as a ravine, valley, or body of water. It's often seen in bridges, elevated railways, and scaffolding. Trestles provide structural support by distributing weight and resisting bending forces. Their open design offers advantages in terms of material usage, access for maintenance, and resistance to wind and other environmental impacts. The height and spacing of trestles depend on the specific requirements of the structure they support and the terrain they traverse.

Trestle meaning with examples

• The old wooden railway bridge was supported by a network of towering trestles, which allowed trains to cross the deep canyon safely. Each trestle leg seemed to defy gravity, holding the track and passing trains in this difficult landscape. Engineers had strategically placed the trestles for the most stable span possible, making them essential to its operation.
• Workers carefully constructed scaffolding, resembling a small wooden trestle, to provide access to the building's facade for painting and repairs. The modular design made it easier to change the height and dimensions of the structure to accommodate the different features of the building, ensuring the safety of the workers.
• The park's picnic tables were made of solid wood and metal trestles to handle the large volume of users throughout the season. Their sturdy design prevented movement. The stable trestles allowed families to enjoy their meals outdoors. The tables were well-maintained and the trestles added to the overall appeal of the picnic areas.
• During the flooding, the raised roadway, constructed with a long line of steel trestles, remained passable, while surrounding low-lying roads were completely submerged. The trestles protected critical infrastructure. These structures played an important part in minimizing disruption. Their height and the material used were crucial to their resilience.