Beam Bridge By, Carlee Cirko

What is a Beam Bridge? Beam bridges are the simplest structural forms for bridge spans supported by an abutment or pier at each end. The simplest beam bridge could be a log. a wood plank, or a stone slab laid across a stream. Bridges designed for modern infrastructure will usually be constructed of steel or reinforced concrete, or a combination of both.

Who invented the Beam Bridge? The beam bridge is one of the first human constructions and no inventor has been recorded with its initial invention. The earliest beam bridge construction was extremely simple and may have consisted of a tree placed across a river to allow for easy crossing.

When was the Beam Bridge built? The earliest bridge was built across the Tiber River in 7th century BC and was known as “Pons known ancient Roman beam Sublicius” which literally means “bridge made of wooden beams.” Romans were also the first to use cofferdams to construct columns.

Advantages for the Beam Bridge Beam bridges are helpful for short spans. Long distances are normally covered by placing the beams on piers.

Disadvantages for the Beam Bridge Bridge beams are likely to droop between the piers, due to the different bridge loads acting downwards. When long spans are required to be covered, beam bridges are extremely expensive due to the piers required for holding the long beams. Building of the support piers may not always be possible due to the limitation of space.

What is the Beam Bridge used for? Beam bridges are the simplest structural forms for bridge spans supported by an abutment or pier at each end. No moments are transferred throughout the support, hence their structural type is known as simply supported.

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