Butment

{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-000874",
  "term": "Butment",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "The part of a structure, such as a wall or pier, that receives the lateral thrust from an arch or vault. It provides the resistance necessary to counteract the outward and downward forces exerted by the arched structure, preventing it from spreading or collapsing. In bridge construction, the abutment serves the dual function of supporting the end of the superstructure and retaining the earth of the approach embankment.",
  "subject": "Construction",
  "see_also": [
    "butment cheek"
  ],
  "translations": {
    "de": "Widerlager",
    "es": "estribo",
    "fr": "culée"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/butment/"
}