Definition

1. Noun:
   • Pontoon bridge: A temporary floating bridge supported by hollow, watertight vessels called pontoons. It is used for crossing bodies of water, often for military purposes or as a temporary civilian crossing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Quân đội đã nhanh chóng dựng một cầu phao để vượt sông. (The army quickly erected a pontoon bridge to cross the river.)
  • Cầu phao tạm thời thay thế cho cầu chính đang sửa chữa. (The temporary pontoon bridge replaced the main bridge under repair.)
  • Cầu phao thường được thấy ở các khu vực có lũ lụt. (Pontoon bridges are often seen in flood-prone areas.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "cầu phao" specifically denotes the entire bridge structure. The individual floating units (pontoons) can be referred to separately as "phao" (float/pontoon).
  • Mỗi phao của cầu phao đều phải đảm bảo độ kín. (Each pontoon of the pontoon bridge must be watertight.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cầu tạm (n): temporary bridge (a broader term that may include pontoon bridges and other types).
• Cầu nổi (n): floating bridge (a direct synonym for pontoon bridge).
• Phao (n): float, buoy; the floating component.

Synonyms

• Floating bridge: A bridge supported by pontoons or other buoyant structures.
• Pontoon bridge: The most precise and common equivalent term.

Related Concepts

• Military engineering: "Cầu phao" is a classic example of military engineering for rapid deployment.
• Temporary infrastructure: It highlights a solution for temporary crossing needs, contrasting with permanent bridges ("cầu cố định").

1. Pontoon bridge