Embankment vs. Abutment — What's the Difference?

The act of embanking.

An abutment is the substructure at the ends of a bridge span or dam supporting its superstructure. Single-span bridges have abutments at each end which provide vertical and lateral support for the span, as well as acting as retaining walls to resist lateral movement of the earthen fill of the bridge approach.

An artificial slope of earth or stone, as at the edge of a road or a body of water.

A structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the ends of a bridge

A long mound of earth, stone, or similar material, usually built for purposes such as to hold back or store water, for protection from weather or enemies, or to support a road or railway.

The act or process of abutting.

The act of surrounding or defending with a bank.

Something that abuts.

A structure of earth, gravel, etc., raised to prevent water from overflowing a level tract of country, to retain water in a reservoir, or to carry a roadway, etc.

The point of contact of two abutting objects or parts.

A long artificial mound of stone or earth; built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection

The part of a structure that bears the weight or pressure of an arch.

A structure that supports the end of a bridge.

A structure that anchors the cables of a suspension bridge.

The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts.

The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault.

(engineering) A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge.

(engineering) The part of a valley or canyon wall against which a dam is constructed.

Something that abuts, or on which something abuts.

The state of abutting.

(architecture) That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.

(dentistry) The tooth that supports a denture or bridge.

A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.

State of abutting.

That on or against which a body abuts or presses

Point of contact between two objects or parts

A masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge