noun
bridge-building; construction of a bridge
Refers to the act or process of building a bridge. Often used in engineering or construction contexts.
この川の橋かけは来年始まる予定です。
Bridge-building over this river is scheduled to start next year.
noun
cross-linking
Chemistry term for forming bonds between polymer chains. The cross-reference to 架橋 (sense 4) suggests this is a specialized usage.
See also: 架橋
このポリマーは橋かけによって強度が増します。
This polymer gains strength through cross-linking.
架橋 is a more formal or technical term for bridge-building, and also has a chemistry sense of cross-linking. 橋かけ is a more descriptive, everyday compound.
Compound of 橋 (はし, bridge) and かけ (連用形 of かける, to build or span). The kanji spellings reflect different nuances of かける: 架ける (to erect a framework) and 掛ける (to hang or suspend).