Types of Bridges

Arch - A bridge shaped with an arch that had structural support at necessary intervals. The Romans were the first to start using arch bridges after they realized how easy and effective they were. Now, they are designed to carry rail, light rail, pedestrians and vehicles.

Beam - Simple, easy to construct and effective, the beam bridge is supported on each end and they are usually built to span no more than 250 feet. When a beam bridge is used to cover a long distance, it is done by joining the necessary number of beam bridges together to cover the distance.

Cantilever - A cantilever bridge is structured using a design that goes up and it has support on only one end, when it is built for pedestrians only. To provide support for vehicles and trains, the cantilever uses the added support of trusses or box girders.

Tied Arch - Also a bowstring-arch or a bowstring girder, the tied arch bridge does not need a foundation as strong as other bridges because the tension is absorbed by the chord that ties the tips together.

Cable-Stayed - One or more pylons are used when a bridge is described as cable stayed. Cables are hooked from the pylons to the bridge to support it.

Suspension - Suspended from cables, the earliest versions of suspension bridges were held with ropes made of vines and bamboo. A suspension bridge today is constructed using cables connected to towers that are attached to cofferdams that are embedded deep in the ocean floor. Turkey has the longest suspension bridge ever constructed; it is 15,1118 feet (4,608 m).

Truss - This type of bridge is constructed by making triangular sections from the material used. The cost to build is lower than other types of bridges because the materials are used wisely. The collection triangular sections are strong in many different places throughout the bridge giving the whole bridge extra strength.