Contents
| Type | Sub-type | Length range |
| Longest span | Longest total | |
| Arch bridge | 575 m (Ping'nan Third Bridge) | |
| Through arch bridge | ||
| Beam bridge |
What are six different types of bridges?
Types of bridges 1. Beam bridge. 2. Arch bridge 3. suspension bridge 4. Cantilever bridge 5. truss bridge 6. Cable-stayed bridge
What are the different types of bridge designs?
Types by Use
- Pedestrian Bridges. Pedestrian bridges – The oldest bridges ever made were designed to facilitate passenger travel over small bodies of water or unfriendly terrain.
- Car Traffic. ...
- Double-decked Bridges. ...
- Train Bridges. ...
- Pipeline Bridges. ...
- Aqueducts. ...
- Commercial Bridges. ...
What are the three types of bridge structures?
Types of Bridges
- Girder bridges: It is the most common and most basic bridge type. ...
- Arch bridges: Arch bridges are the types of bridges which pose a classic architecture and the oldest after the girder bridges.
- Cable stayed bridges: Another type of bridge is the cable stayed bridge. ...
- Rigid frame bridges: Rigid frame bridges are sometimes also known as Rahmen bridges. ...
What different types of bridges are there?
Types of Bridges. Below is the list of 5 main types of bridges based on support mechanism: Girder bridges; Arch bridges; Cable-stayed bridges; Rigid Frame Bridges; Truss bridges; 1. Girder bridges: It is the most common and most basic bridge type.
What are the 5 main types of bridge designs?
There are five types of bridges, and these are, Girder, arch, cable, rigid framed and truss. Each has its unique features and uses. This is a bridge in its simplest and most common form. A log across a stream is an example of this structure.
What are the 8 different types of bridges?
Correct engineering and bridge construction can strike the perfect balance to keep a bridge standing.ARCH BRIDGE. ... BEAM BRIDGE. ... CANTILEVER BRIDGE. ... SUSPENSION BRIDGE. ... CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE. ... TIED-ARCH BRIDGE (BOWSTRING) ... TRUSS BRIDGE.
What are the 6 different bridge forms?
There are six basic modern bridge forms: the beam, the truss, the arch, the cantilever, the cable-stayed, and the suspension.
What are 4 types of bridge structures?
Beam bridge.Arch bridge.Truss bridge.Suspension bridge.
What are 7 different methods for constructing bridges?
Precast bridge construction method. ... Cast in-situ bridge construction method. ... Balanced cantilever bridge construction method. ... Incremental Launching bridge construction method. ... Cable-stayed bridge construction method. ... Arch bridge construction method. ... Advanced shoring bridge construction method.
What is the strongest bridge type?
Even though the truss bridge design has been around for literally centuries it is widely regarded as the strongest type of bridge.
What are the three most common bridge designs?
A Note On Bridge Forms At the most simple level of engineering design, bridges come in three basic forms: beam, arch, and suspension. From these three basic forms of bridge arise many different bridge types as described below.
What is a small bridge called?
Minor Bridge: The bridge has a total span length greater than 6m & less than 60m is known as minor bridge.
What is the simplest type of bridge?
Beam Bridge A beam or "girder" bridge is the simplest and most inexpensive kind of bridge. According to Craig Finley of Finley/McNary Engineering, "they're basically the vanillas of the bridge world." In its most basic form, a beam bridge consists of a horizontal beam that is supported at each end by piers.
Why are there different bridge designs?
To be able to serve various roles, carry different types of weight, and span terrains of various sizes and complexities, bridges can strongly vary in their appearance, carrying capacity, type of structural elements, the presence of movable sections, construction materials and more.
What are the different types of bridges and how do they work?
Bridges are of two general types: fixed and movable. Fixed bridges are usually classified by their basic geometry such as arches, trusses, beams, girder, suspension and cable stayed. Steel has been used in the construction of bridges for many years. Many small bridges today are constructed using concrete beams.
What is a bridge that opens called?
A bascule bridge (also referred to as a drawbridge or a lifting bridge) is a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or leaf, throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic. It may be single- or double-leafed.
What are the 3 main types of bridges?
Three basic types of bridges used in transportation are: beam and truss bridges, arch bridges and suspension bridges.
What is mechanical bridge class 7?
“Mechanical” bridge means a manufactured device designed to seal the well bore or inside diameter of various sizes of casing that may be used as a base for approved plugging material.
Why are there different types of bridges?
To be able to serve various roles, carry different types of weight, and span terrains of various sizes and complexities, bridges can strongly vary in their appearance, carrying capacity, type of structural elements, the presence of movable sections, construction materials and more.
What are the different types of bridges and how do they work?
Bridges are of two general types: fixed and movable. Fixed bridges are usually classified by their basic geometry such as arches, trusses, beams, girder, suspension and cable stayed. Steel has been used in the construction of bridges for many years. Many small bridges today are constructed using concrete beams.
What are movable bridges?
The category of movable bridges includes lifting and swinging bridges. These allow a portion of the structure to move out of the way and allow passage of tall ships in a waterway. Here are some examples: 1 A vertical lift bridge is a kind of truss bridge that’s raised using cables affixed to the deck. These allow it to be raised via pulleys attached to the top of a tower or pylon on either side of the waterway. The deck remains horizontal as it’s raised, and its maximum height is dictated by the height of the towers. 2 The deck on a bascule bridge, or drawbridge, by contrast, is lifted from the base, like a door swinging upward, often by hydraulics. 3 Swing bridges also allow watercraft to pass, but using a different method: They rotate horizontally, or swing like an opening door, on a pedestal. They’re not as common, but they are used occasionally in places too wide for a lift bridge. 4 Traverser bridges use cantilevers that can be rolled out over a channel on wheels or withdrawn, giving the effect of a platform moving horizontally.
What type of bridge is the cheapest to build?
The simplicity of the beam bridge made it the first type of bridge ever built. It’s still the cheapest to build. All you need is a crossbeam covering the span, supported by an abutment at each end. One type of beam bridge is a girder bridge, which employs steel girders as reinforcement.
What is cantilever bridge?
This type uses a pillar anchored vertically into the ground to support a horizontal deck extending out from one or both sides across the span. The load often is supported from both above and below. A diving board or platform is a good example of cantilever construction.
How do fixed arch bridges work?
Fixed arch bridges can be destabilized by temperature fluctuations, so the arch design is sometimes modified with hinges at each base and even the center of the span. This helps longer arch bridges adapt to the expansion or contraction of their materials when temperatures change drastically. 2. BEAM BRIDGE.
What is the danger of beam bridges?
But here’s the danger of beam bridges: The longer a bridge is and the more people, cars, and other things it carries, the heavier its total load. And the farther apart a beam bridge’s abutments are, the less stable the structure is.
How do bridges work?
Bridges work by balancing the forces of physics through a superstructure (girders, trusses, etc.), which bears the bridge deck and its load, and a substructure ( pillars, abutments, piers, and footings ), which grounds the load into the earth.
Why are pontoon bridges bad?
One drawback of pontoon bridges is that, because they rest directly on the water’s surface, they obstruct any watercraft trying to navigate the channel they cross.
What is the science behind bridges?
All the design and science of bridge matters to how it handles things. The basic science behind the bridge construction is fairly straight-forward. The fact is that the structure of the bridge will dictate how the bridge will handle tension, compression, torsion, sheering, and bending.
Why are bridges built?
Every bridge has at least one function. Many though have been built to facilitate multiple usage options . Some of them have been built to allow cars, people and bikes, and even rail to pass over the same spot. High-tech engineering has been used to build these bridges. They are designed to serve a purpose in an area of the country that sees a lot of the same kind of traffic.
How are pipeline bridges built?
But where there is no bridge a pipeline bridge can be easily built. These bridges are constructed for the largest of all pipes. They can be built easily by pylons and then running the pipes on top of the pylons. In some cases, the pipes themselves become the bridge. This is done when the distance to cover is relatively short. This is usually seen when a roadway must pass over the pipeline. It is easier to bend the pipe than it is to build a bridge over the pipes.
What is the importance of bridges?
Every type of bridge is an amazing feat of engineering. The ability to construct a pathway that has the ability to hold up to various obstacles is spectacular. Bridges must be able to handle a wide range of weighted loads, extend for miles and move with the elements. Every piece of bridge design is important.
How long is the Manchac Swamp Bridge?
Most of the time there are multiple lanes that travel side by side allowing cars to pass and speed along at fast paces. The longest of this type of bridge is the Manchac Swamp Bridge that makes it way through Louisiana. It has a length of 22.8 miles which makes it the longest in the world over water. The bridge is constructed in sections that allow for easy repair as sections of it wear out over time. The pylons of the bridge were driven down to a depth of 250 feet to help stabilize the bridge.
What is the most famous arch bridge?
Classic Arch Bridges. The arch bridge is one of the oldest designs of bridges around. One of the most famous arch construction is the Caesarea Aqueduct. This construction clearly uses the arch design for support. Its main function was to transport water across a large section of land.
How was the aqueduct bridge used?
The aqueduct bridge has been used for centuries to transport water to cities and other places. The arch type is the most common form of ancient days. But today’s construction allows people to be a little more creative with the design. But the more simple design using the arch structure, and they are usually made of stone. The bridge would be built along ridgelines and would twist and turn through the area until it made its way to the city. Most of the ones built today are done with pipes and pylons.
What are the different types of bridges?
So if you love bridges as much as we do, then let us describe the 6 different types of bridges: 1 Girder (Beam) 2 Truss 3 Arch 4 Cantilever 5 Suspension 6 Cable Stayed
Which bridge has the longest span?
Suspension bridges have the longest span possibilities of any bridge, hence the longest bridge span in the world is the Akashi-Kaikyo suspension bridge in Kobe, Japan, at 1,991 m.
How does the size of a bridge affect the cost?
However, the size of the girders is a major factor in the cost of the bridge. As you might imagine, the longer the span is, the larger the girders need to be, and hence the bigger the cost per square foot of bridge. Vehicular bridges require significantly smaller girders than pedestrian bridges.
Why are cantilevers called trusses?
Cantilever bridges are usually large trusses because the cantilever requires strong support to project out across the river or road. Often there is a middle span supported by the cantilevers, thereby requiring an even stronger cantilever.
What is a girder on a bridge?
Girder (Beam) Most highway and city bridges are built with girders (beams) spanning the opening and traffic crossing on a bridge deck. The deck is a flat, horizontal element that transfers the traffic load into long, linear elements underneath called girders.
What are trusses made of?
Trusses are generally made out of steel. Although wooden trusses can be built, the relative weakness of the connections would limit the bridge spans. Composite materials like fibreglass can be used as well, but they have generally been limited to pedestrian bridges.
What is the most efficient beam size?
The most efficient beam size is one that is very narrow and tall, but this is not always practical when the beam is underneath the traffic. Thus, a truss allows this efficient section to be moved to the edges where it can maximize its efficiency. Trusses are generally made out of steel.
What are the materials used to build an arch bridge?
They are more resilient and can bear a lot of pressure. These types of bridges are usually built with so many kinds of materials such as stones, concrete, and steel.
How do bridges work?
Bridges work by balancing two major types of forces known as tension and compression. A tension force is a pulling force that acts outward, while a compression force is a pushing force that acts inward.
What are the pros and cons of a truss bridge?
Pros of Truss Bridges. The truss bridge possesses several advantages, and they include: They are usually built in the industrial unit and then framed on the bridge site. The supports are relatively less when one compares them to the ones on beam bridges. The truss bridges are typically very strong and very rigid.
Why are beam bridges stronger?
Beam bridges have a top edge that is stronger because loads are usually applied in the underside of the beam that is stretched and always under tension. Beam bridges are also sometimes called stringer bridges or girders bridges.
Why are fixed arch bridges unstable?
Fixed arch bridges could be made unstable by fluctuations in temperature. The arch design could be altered a little by adding hinges at the bases and also at the span’s center. This aids the arch to last longer.
What is the bearing on a bridge called?
These forces channel all the weight on the bridge onto the side-supports of the bridge, popularly known as abutments , and the supports in the middle, known as the piers. Another component of a bridge is the bearing. This component usually offers a resting surface in-between the deck of the bridge and its pier.
What is a beam bridge?
The beam bridge consist s of some vertical piers and horizontal beams. This kind of bridge is usually spanned with either two or even more spans that are also held firmly by abutment or piers at every end. Beam bridges are usually constructed using steel, wood, or RCC. Beam bridges also have a span of about 80 meters.
Different Types of Bridges Explained
Not every bridge was designed and constructed equal. After all, not every bridge was made to hold the weight of multiple vehicles, nor does it need to, depending on where this bridge is located.
Arch Bridge
If you live in a rural area, then the likelihood of you coming across, and crossing, an arch bridge is quite high. It’s actually one of the oldest bridge designs there is, with some of the earliest arch bridges dating back more than 3,000 years, if you can believe that!
Truss Bridge
Next up is the truss bridge, one of the different types of bridges that were once made completely out of wood before other materials were later implemented.
Beam Bridge
One of the cheapest bridges to build, and one of the most common too. We’re of course referring to beam bridges. Its design is a lot easier to understand than others due to the fact that it consists of a crossbeam, and an abutment at either end.
Cable-Stayed Bridge
A cable-stayed bridge is one of those self-explanatory types in that it consists of multiple vertical suspenders that attach to one, or multiple towers. The cables act as additional support to these towers, using tension to hold it all in place.
Tied-Arch Bridge
Tied-arch bridges or bowstring bridges, call it whatever you like. Like beam bridges, tied-arch bridges are very common, more so in parts of Europe. It gets the bowstring name from its overall shape, which does have that very grand sort of style to it.
Suspension Bridge
Easily the most recognisable bridge type there is (other than a beam bridge), period. Suspension bridges are those larger than life constructs that combine suspension cables with large pylons and suspenders. All of this keeps this type of bridge upright, and free from any issues relating to the weather.
What Is A Bridge And History
Bridges are structures built to eliminate the span of a physical obstacle. But it doesn’t block the way of the area underneath the bridge. For the past 200 years, the construction of bridges has gone through an evolution.
Classification Of Bridges
The classification of bridges is based on several factors. Some of them are:
Different Types Of Bridges
Here is the list of the different types of bridges available worldwide.
Bridges Types By Function
Here is the list of bridges that are classified based on their function. Let us go through them:
FAQs
The most expensive type of bridges to build are suspension bridges because they can span huge distances. The high costs come from the size of the towers, installation, and materials used. It might cost more than $ 1 billion to build today’s suspension bridges.
About Yashasvi
Yashasvi developed a deep passion for writing ever since she was completed her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
How many types of bridges are there?
Below we have listed the 7 main types of bridges.
What is an arch bridge?
Arch bridges use one or more arches as the main structural component, with the arches positioned beneath the deck. This method dates back many thousands of years, with stone and brick being the most commonly used materials. However, in modern times you will see arch bridges constructed from concrete.
What is a cantilever bridge made of?
A cantilever bridge can be made using different materials, such as structural steel, or box girders of prestressed concrete for larger bridges that carry road or rail traffic.
What is the principle of arch bridges?
Whatever material is used the principle remains the same: An arch bridge uses compression – downward pressure from the deck travels laterally towards the keystone and to the supporting structures at each end of the bridge ( the abutments).
Why can cantilevers be built on bridges?
On bridges with multiple spans, the cantilevers can be built simultaneously to reduce time.
How are trusses constructed?
The trusses are constructed vertically and horizontally which absorb tension and compression. The end result is a structure and decking area capable of withstanding relatively strong winds.
Can failure of one cable cause a bridge to collapse?
Failure of just one cable can be enough to cause the entire bridge to collapse.
What are the different types of bridges?
3 Types of Bridges based on Position of Floor 1 Deck Bridge 2 Through Bridge 3 Semi-Through Bridge
What is continuous bridge?
If the bridge span is very long, then we have to build more supports in between end supports. This type of bridge is termed as continuous bridge.
What is a truss bridge made of?
In case of truss bridge the super structure is provided with trusses. Generally, trusses are made of steel . There are several types of trusses are available. Bridges with truss are made by steel two force member with only tension and compression. No bending moment is allowed in this structure.
What is an arch bridge?
Arch bridge is curve shaped bridge, in which horizontal thrust is developed and is restrained by the abutments at each end of the bridge. There are many types of arch bridges are there. In some cases, the arch may be under the deck slab also.
What is a girder in construction?
A girder is a support beam used in construction. It is the main horizontal support of a structure which supports smaller beams. Girders often have an I-beam cross section composed of two load-bearing flanges separated by a stabilizing web, but may also have a box shape, Z shape, or other forms. #3. Truss Bridge.
What is a bridge called when the span is below 6 meters?
When the bridge span length is below 6 meters then it is called as Culvert Bridge.
How is a masonry bridge constructed?
Masonry Bridge constructed by using bricks or stones. These are generally constructed for short spans and in low depth canals. Masonry is the building of structures from individual units, which are often laid in and bound together by mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves.
7 Different Types of Bridges
Types of Bridges by Mobility
- FIXED BRIDGES
Fixed bridges are pretty simple: They’re anchored in place and meant to provide a steady, secure passage across a river, canyon, rail line, roadway, or other obstacles. Many of the bridge styles described above are in this category. I-beam girders can provide stability in beam bridges, such … - TEMPORARY BRIDGES
Pontoon bridgesare most commonly used in wartime to transport troops, supplies, and military vehicles. These are generally temporary structures that float directly on the water atop pontoons — containers filled with air to provide buoyancy. They’re a successor to the ancient practice of li…
Common Types of Bridges by Function
- AQUEDUCT/VIADUCT BRIDGE
An aqueduct is a “water bridge” in Latin. The Romans used arched aqueducts to carry water from one place to another. A viaductis a roadway elevated by a series of arches over an extended distance. - CULVERT
Culvertsaren’t technically bridges, but they’re similar. Simple structures usually surrounded by soil or other fill, these allow water to flow underneath rather than across a road, trail, or rail line. They’re often made of concrete, but some are simple corrugated pipes.
Types of Bridge Materials
- Around the world, bridges are made of almost any material at hand, including ropes, vines, even trash. The following materials are the most common used in bridge building: 1. Wood— A popular material for trusses and trestles in the 1800s, wood was also used for covered bridges. Its use gave way to more durable options that weren’t susceptible to warping, splintering, and termites. …
Forces That Influence Different Bridge Designs
- What determines the type of bridge that gets built in a particular place? Bridge designs are based on more than aesthetics. In addition to the topographical and logistical conditions where a bridge will be built, there are also natural forcesto consider. Some of the forces of nature that act upon bridges are: 1. Gravity— The downward pull is a bigger deal with bridges than buildings. Unlike a …
Conclusion
- Bridges, like buildings, serve us practically and aesthetically. They’re not just ways to get from one place to another; they also serve as landmarks. More than that, they’ve also become geographical and architectural symbols that help define us as humans, culturally and historically. So the next time you approach a bridge, take a closer look. There are few places you’ll see art and science m…