-Beam -Truss -Arch -Suspension -Cable Stayed Basic Bridge Types   -Beam -Truss -Arch -Suspension -Cable Stayed

A Beam Bridge

The Beam Bridge Most common and most basic type of bridge. Two basic types - I beam girders - Box girders Typical Spans 10m-200m Worlds Longest Span 700m (Ponte Costa in Silva, Brazil)

A Truss Bridge

Truss Bridge A simple skeleton structure. Truss bridges are subject to tension and compression forces and not bending Composed of many small beams Can support great amounts of weight and span great distances. Roadways may pass through the skeletal structure over it. (See illustrations)

Truss Bridge Cont. Typical Spans 40m-500m Worlds Longest Span 863m (Pont de Quebec)

The Arch Bridge

Arch Bridge Second oldest bridge type next to beam bridges. Well suited to be made out of stone. Best suited for crossing rivers and valleys, because they don’t require piers in the center. Known for their beauty Both ends of the bridge are fixed, and do not allow any horizontal movement.

Arch Bridges Cont. Due to no horizontal movement the ground that the bridge is built on has to be very solid and stable. Typical spans 40m-150m Worlds longest span 924m (New River George Bridge, US

The Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge Allows the longest spans of all bridge types. Suspension bridges are a very old form of bridges. - In primitive times ropes and vines were used to make suspension bridges. The development of metal brought the use of iron bars and linked chains. The introduction of wire ropes allowed spans of over 500m.

Suspension Bridge Cont. A typical suspension bridge is a continuous girder with one or more tower erected above piers in the middle of the span. At both ends the cables the cables have large anchors or counter weights, to hold the ends of the cable. Typical spans 70m – 1000+ m Worlds longest span 3911m (Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan)

The Cable Stayed Bridge

The Cable Stayed Bridge A typical cable stayed bridge is a continuous girder with one or more tower erected above piers in the middle of the span. From these towers, cables stretch down diagonally (usually to both sides) and support the girder. Steel cables are extremely strong but very flexible.

Cable Stayed Bridge Cont. Cables are very economical as they allow a slender and lighter structure which is still able to span great distances. Typical spans 110m - 480m World’s Longest span 1,480m (Tatara Bridge, Japan)