Types of Bridges - Section 2.1, 2.2

Slide 1

Types of bridges
Beam Bridge This is the most common bridge It is a flat bridge that is supported at each of its ends A longer beam bridge may be supported by additional supports Truss Bridge This bridge is light but strong It has triangle shaped frames called trusses, on either side
Suspension Bridge Suspension bridges, like beam bridges, have supports on each of their ends They have tall towers on either side The main cables (lines) are anchored at each end of the bridge The smaller cables are attached to the main cables vertically on one end and the other is connected to the roadway. They support the roadway. Arch bridge These were made to hold heavy loads The dynamic load of people and other traffic causes each piece of wood or stone in the arch to push against the piece next to it This push is eventually transferred to the end supports that are embedded in the ground The ground pushes back and the resistance is passed back through all the pieces creating an arch