All types of bridges are essential to the world’s everyday infrastructure. Whether you are passing by a bridge on your way to work while riding the bus or walking across a river, bridges make it possible for people and places to connect. You might think bridges are just paths you'll use whenever you need to cross something. However, bridges are more complicated than that; a lot goes into building the different types of bridges. So, here’s a short guide to what you need to know about the types of bridges you might pass through.
What are the types of bridges?
Beam Bridges
Among the types of bridges, a beam bridge is the most basic type of bridge. For this reason, you can think of a beam bridge as a plank of wood placed over a stream. So, horizontal beams, supported at each end by abutments or piers, make up beam bridges.
Because of this, Civil engineers and Structural Engineering professionals typically use beam bridges for temporary purposes, such as spanning roads, rivers, or railways. Because of the simple nature of beam bridges, they are often used because they are cheap. However, compared to the other types of bridges, the longer the span, the weaker they become. For this reason, beam bridges are not used for long distances without additional support.
Where You’ll See Them
- Short River Crossings
- Highway overpasses
- Small pedestrian walkways
Pros
- Effective for short distances
- Simple and cheap to build
Cons
- Requires more support for longer distances
- Not suitable for long distances
Suspension Bridges
When you think of iconic bridges like the Tower Bridge in London, you think of a suspension bridge. So, suspension bridges stand out for their incredible height and long spans. For this reason, these bridges use cables anchored at both ends to suspend the road beneath them.
As for its use, suspension bridges cross large bodies of water. The reason for this is that suspension bridges span long distances without the need for multiple supports underneath. As a result, it is ideal for large rivers and shipping lanes.
Where You’ll See Them
- Long River Crossing
- Areas where large ships needed to pass
- Famous Landmarks
Pros
- Aesthetic Appeal
- Can connect long distances
- It needs less support in water.
Cons
- Expensive to build and time-consuming
- Vulnerable to wind and other environmental factors
Arch Bridges
Among the types of bridges, arch bridges have been in use for thousands of years. For instance, their arch bridges still stand in ancient Rome. The most notable difference between arches and compared to the other types of bridges is their curved shape. As a result, the purpose of its arch shape is to distribute the bridge's load evenly. For this reason, it allows more weight support than a beam bridge.
Modern arch bridges typically consist of concrete or steel. Because of this, these materials are more robust than the stones used in ancient times. As a result, it can cover longer distances than beam bridges and is visually appealing.
Where You’ll See Them
- Parks and scenic locations
- Historical City Bridges
- Large river crossings
Pros
- Ideal for longer distances
- Visually Appealing
- Stronger than beam bridges
Cons
- Requires strong abutments at each end to support the arch
- More complex and expensive to build than beam bridges
Truss Bridges
As for this type of bridge, truss bridges can be easily recognised by their crisscrossed framework. For this reason, its lattice structure helps distribute the load across the bridge, strengthening it. The trusses are typically wood or steel and can be above or below the bridge deck.
As a result, truss bridges are commonly used for railroads and highways. Because of their design, they can support heavy loads and are often used in industrial settings.
Where You’ll See Them
- Industrial Areas
- Long highway overpasses
- Railroad bridges
Pros
- It can be built with different materials.
- Ideal for both long and short spans
- Extremely strong and able to handle heavy loads
Cons
- It requires more material, which can be costly.
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as other bridges
Cable-Styled Bridges
At first glance, cable-styled bridges may look very similar to suspension bridges. However, they work a little differently as well. Instead of cables hanging down from tall towers and anchored at both ends, the wires in a cable-styled bridge are connected directly from the tower to the bridge deck.
As a result, compared to the other types of bridges, this type of bridge is more efficient and often less expensive than a suspension bridge covering long distances. For this reason, they’re commonly used in modern construction because they balance strength, cost, and beauty.
Where You’ll See Them
- Coastal areas
- Places with heavy traffic
- City River Crossing
Pros
- Can Cover Long Span
- Visually Striking
- More cost-effective than suspension bridges
Cons
- Requires skilled construction and careful design to ensure stability
- More expensive than beam or arch bridges
Tied-arch bridges
Urban areas with limited space for large abutments often use tied-arch bridges.
Where You’ll See Them
- Areas with space constraints
Pros
- Suitable for shorter spans with limited space for abutments
- Combines strength and aesthetic
Cons
- Not ideal for very long spans
- It is more expensive and complex to build.
Movable Bridges
True to its name, this type of bridge moves. For this reason, movable bridges are often found in areas with lots of traffic. Among the types of bridges, this type of bridge is designed to open up and allow boats to pass through them. Several movable bridges include bascule bridges, swing bridges, and draw bridges. Lastly, each operates differently, serving the same purpose: providing flexibility in high-traffic waterways.
Where You’ll See Them:
- Cities with heavy boat traffic
- Harbours and ports
- River crossing with shipping routes
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges, recognised as an engineering marvel among bridge types, extend from supports at either end in a balancing act. For this reason, this design balances each side of the bridge against the other, enabling long spans without the need for central support.
These types of bridges are commonly used over large bodies of water or broad valleys where it's difficult or expensive to place supports in the middle. One of the most famous examples of a cantilever bridge is the Forth Bridge in Scotland.
Where You’ll See Them:
- Areas where supports are complex to place
- Large rivers or valleys
Pros
- Very strong and durable
- Can span long distances without needing central supports
Cons
- Expensive and time-consuming to build
- It requires precise engineering and construction.
Bridges are more than just ways to get from point A to point B; the different types of bridges are marvels from the engineering industry. They also serve a specific purpose based on the load requirements, terrain, and budget. Whether a complicated cantilever bridge or a simple beam bridge, all types of bridges uniquely connect people worldwide. So, the next time you cross a bridge, take a moment to appreciate the engineering and design that went into making your travels possible.
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We tailor our programmes to provide you with real-world experiences. Thus making complex concepts easier to understand and practice. Other than that, we also offer flexible learning options; as a result of this option, you now have the opportunity to study at your own pace and navigate the lessons around your schedule. And lastly, the College of Contract Management provides industry-recognised qualifications. Are you looking to get started with your career? Or do you think you're looking to advance it? Our courses will set you up on the bridge to your success.
