Before revision: Use in engineering An abutment may be used for the following: To transfer loads from a superstructure to its foundation elements To resist or transfer self weight, lateral loads (such as the earth pressure) and wind loads To support one end of an approach slab To maintain a balance in between the vertical and horizontal force components of an arch bridge.
After revision: Use in engineering An abutment may be used to transfer loads from a superstructure to its foundation , too resist or transfer self weight, lateral loads (such as the earth pressure) and wind loads , to support one end of an approach slab or to balance vertical and horizontal forces in an arch bridge.