Types of Bridges
The various types of bridges are:
- Suspension bridge
- Arch bridge
- Truss bridge
- Beam bridge
- Cable-stayed bridge
- Cantilever bridge
- Moveable bridge
- Girder bridge
- Tied-arch bridge
- Trestle bridge
- Rigid-frame bridge
- Extradosed bridge
- Viaduct
- Covered bridge
- Clapper bridge
Suspension Bridge
A suspension bridge is a marvel of engineering that features tall towers, strong cables, and a suspended roadway. These bridges are renowned for their ability to span vast distances, making them ideal for crossing wide bodies of water or deep gorges. Notable examples include the Golden Gate Bridge and the Akashi Kaiky ō Bridge, which rank among the world's most iconic structures.
Fig 1: Suspension bridge
Arch Bridge
Arch bridges have a classic and enduring design characterised by their graceful, curved shape. These bridges rely on the natural strength of the arch to support the load, making them suitable for spanning rivers and valleys. The Roman aqueducts and the Sydney Harbour Bridge exemplify the timelessness and efficacy of this bridge type.
Fig 2: Arch bridge
Truss Bridge
Truss bridges are renowned for their sturdy framework, which consists of a series of interconnected triangles. The geometric design provides exceptional strength, making truss bridges ideal for both road and railway crossings. Many historic and modern truss bridges, such as the Forth Bridge and the Hell Gate Bridge, continue to serve as vital transportation links.
Fig 3: Truss bridge
Beam Bridge
Simple yet effective, beam bridges consist of horizontal beams supported by piers. These bridges are often used for shorter spans and are common on roadways and in urban areas. While not as visually striking as some other bridge types, beam bridges are essential components of transportation infrastructure.
Fig 4: Beam bridge
Cable-stayed Bridge
Cable-stayed bridges are striking structures with tall towers and cables fanning out to support the roadway. This design offers a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Well-known cable-stayed bridges include the Millau Viaduct and the Russky Bridge, showcasing innovative engineering and architectural excellence.
Fig 5: Cable-stayed bridge
Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges employ horizontal beams anchored at one end, projecting over the void. These bridges often meet in the middle, creating a central span. Notable examples include the Forth Bridge and the Quebec Bridge, which demonstrate the impressive reach of cantilever structures.
Fig 6: Cantilever bridge
Moveable Bridge
Moveable bridges are engineering wonders designed to accommodate maritime traffic. They feature mechanisms that allow sections of the bridge to be lifted, swung, or rotated to create openings for passing ships. Drawbridges, bascule bridges, and swing bridges fall into this category, enhancing navigation in waterways.
Fig 7: Moveable bridge
Girder Bridge
Girder bridges consist of horizontal beams, or girders, supported by piers or abutments. These straightforward yet robust structures find application in both road and rail networks, serving as vital connections in transportation systems.
Fig 8: Girder bridge
Tied-arch Bridge
Tied-arch bridges combine the strength of arches with tensioned cables. The arch is anchored to abutments, while the cables provide added support. The Fremont Bridge in Portland and the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge exemplify this elegant design.
Fig 9: Tied-arch bridge
Trestle Bridge
Fig 10: Trestle bridge
Trestle bridges feature a series of short, widely spaced piers or trestles that support the superstructure. These bridges are used in various settings, including railways, allowing them to traverse uneven terrain while minimising environmental impact.
Rigid-frame Bridge
Rigid-frame bridges feature rigid connections between the columns and beams. This design provides stability and strength, making these bridges suitable for highway overpasses and urban intersections.
Fig 11: Rigid-frame bridge
Extradosed Bridge
Extradosed bridges are a hybrid of cable-stayed and girder bridges, employing shorter, more numerous cables and slender towers. They offer a balance between aesthetics and structural efficiency.
Fig 12: Extradosed bridge
Viaduct
Viaducts are elevated bridges typically composed of a series of spans and arches, used to carry roads or railways over valleys, rivers, or other obstructions. They often display impressive architectural features and are found in urban landscapes.
Fig 13: Viaduct
Covered Bridge
Covered bridges, sometimes referred to as "kissing bridges," are known for their protective wooden enclosures. Historically, they shielded bridges from the elements, and today, they evoke a sense of nostalgia often found in rural settings.
Fig 14: Covered bridge
Clapper Bridge
Clapper bridges are a charming and ancient bridge type consisting of a series of stone slabs laid across piers or rocks. They are simple yet effective crossings, often found in rural or historic locations, such as Dartmoor in the United Kingdom.
Fig 15: Clapper bridge
