Abutment

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For the technical mathematical term, see Spectral sequence.

For the property law term, see abutter.

Diagram of a bridge abutment

Abutment of a Nuremberg-Erfurt high-speed rail line

An abutment is an end support of a bridge superstructure. Abutments are used for the following purposes:

to transmit the reaction of superstructure to the foundations.
to retain the earth filling.
to connect the superstructure to the approach roads.

An abutment is also, generally, the point where two structures or objects meet.

Specifically, an abutment may be:

the part of a structure that supports an arch.
the tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge.
the part of an implant that acts as an connection between the implant and the crown.

Abutment is also a term used by civil engineers in dam construction; moving water from a large reservoir to a channel such as a spillway, there are smooth transition walls at both sides named abutments which minimize the water's energy loss.

Abutment is also the term for a titanium connection used to attach prosthetics to a dental implant that is Osseointegrated.