Types of Bridges
Cantilever Bridges: Similar in appearance to arch bridges, but they support their load not through vertical bracing but through diagonal bracing. They often use truss formation both below and above the bridge.
Tied-Arch Bridges: Similar to arch bridges, but they transfer weight of the bridge and traffic load to the top chord that is connected to the bottom cords in bridge foundation. They are often called bowstring arches or bowstring bridges. Suspension Bridges: Bridges that use ropes or cables from the vertical suspender to hold the weight of bridge deck and traffic. Bridges that use ropes or cables from the vertical suspender to hold the weight of bridge deck and traffic. Cable-Stayed Bridges: Bridge that uses deck cables that are directly connected to one or more vertical columns. Cables are usually connected to columns in two ways – harp design (each cable is attached to the different point of the column, creating harp like design of “strings”) and fan design (all cables connect to one point at the top of the column). |
Arch Bridges: These bridges use arches as a main structural component (arch is always located below the bridge, never above it). They are made with one or more hinges, depending of what kind of load and stress forces they must endure.
Beam Bridges: Beam bridges are simply described as a beam of any material laid over a body of water. Truss Bridges: Bridges that distribute weight with the use of trusses (straight beams that form triangular shapes). |