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Types of Bridges: An Overview

Bridge is defined as a rigid structure that spanning horizontally between the supports built to provide a passage over an obstruction. The obstruction may be roadway, railway, river or valley. Here is a list on the types of bridges which are classified based on various categories as follows:

Structural form of Superstructure
Construction Materials Used
Usage
Interspan Relation
Service Period
Movement of parts of the bridge
Navigation facility
Position of bridge floor relative to the superstructure
Submergence Condition
Level of Crossing
Bridge Span
Alignment of the Bridge

Types of Bridges based on Structural Form of Superstructure:

Type of Bridges based on form of superstructure — *Type of Bridges based on Form of Superstructure*

Beam Bridge

Beam bridge is the oldest type of bridge ever used by man. It can be defined as one or more horizontal beams which is/are supported at both the ends. The load over the beam is directly transferred to piers at the end of span. This type of bridge may be simply supported or continuous. It is also less expensive to construct. Beam bridges are constructed using steel or reinforced concrete.

Truss Bridge

Truss is a structure of connected elements to form triangular units. The bridge deck is supported by means of steel trusses. This type of bridge is economical, efficient and is most commonly used in railways. Truss bridges can be easily prefabricated in factories and can be erected at site.

Arch Bridge

It is one of the oldest forms of bridges. The arch is located below the deck slab. The load on the deck slab gets transferred through the arch by compression to the abutments. The abutment (i.e., support) provided at each end of the arch prevents the bridge from spreading out. Arch Bridges use masonry, stone, concrete or steel as construction material.

Tied Arch Bridge

Tied Arch Bridge is similar to arch bridge. But, the arch lies above the bridge deck. The cables suspended from the arch, support the deck slab. Also known as “Bowstring Bridge“

Suspension Bridge

In suspension bridge, the cables support the deck slab which are in turn attached to the suspenders. The suspenders are the curved cables running on either side of the bridge and throughout the length of the bridge. The suspenders are connected to two towers and must be firmly anchored into the ground at its ends. This type of bridge is suitable for longer spans. Also, suspension bridge provides an aesthetic appearance.

Cable Stayed Bridge

It is similar to Suspension bridge. But, the cables supporting the deck slab are connected to tall vertical towers called as pylons. The height of the pylon is much greater than that of towers in suspension bridges. Cables are usually connected to pylons in two different ways as follows:

Harp design – The cables are connected to the pylon at different heights.
Fan design – All the cables are connected at a particular height of the pylon.

Millau Viaduct, France - Cable stayed bridge — *Millau Viaduct, France – Cable Stayed bridge*

Types of Bridges based on Construction Material used:

Types of Bridges based on construction materials used — *Types of Bridges based on Construction Materials Used*

Wooden Bridge

It is one of the known earliest type of bridges. The material used for the construction of this type of bridge is timber. It is suitable for small and medium span enabling the movement of pedestrians, low weight car transport or livestock; commonly used for temporary purposes.

Masonry Bridge or Stone Bridge

Stone Bridge or Masonry Bridge uses Stone or Bricks as construction material. This type of bridge is comparatively durable than wooden bridges. It is suitable for shorter span enabling the movement of pedestrians and livestock. Usually, arch bridge will be of stone or masonry structure.

Example of Stone Bridge - Seimon Ishibashi Bridge,Tokyo — *Example of Stone Bridge – Seimon Ishibashi Bridge, Tokyo*

Reinforced Concrete Bridge

Reinforced Cement Concrete(RCC) Bridge uses Reinforced Concrete as construction material. RCC bridges are more stable and durable. It is most commonly used for constructing highway bridges and flyovers

Example of Concrete Bridge - Confederation Bridge, Canada — *Example of Concrete Bridge – Confederation Bridge, Canada*

Steel Bridge

Steel bridges are constructed using steel bars, steel trusses or cables. It can withstand heavy loads and are suitable for longer spans. Steel bridges are commonly seen in Railways.

Prestressed concrete Bridge

Prestressed Concrete Bridge uses Prestressed Concrete as construction material. These types of bridges are suitable for shorter span to longer span. This type of bridges are either cast in site or factory made.

Example of Prestressed Bridge - Adam Viaduct, United Kingdom — *Example of Prestressed Bridge – Adam Viaduct, United Kingdom*

Composite Bridge

The bridges constructed by the combinations of more than one of the above discussed materials are called as Composite Bridges. RCC Deck slab resting on prestressed girders is an example of composite bridge.

Types of Bridges based on Usage:

Types of Bridges based on function — *Types of Bridges based on Usage*

Pedestrian Bridge (Or) Foot Bridge

The Pedestrian Bridge is the bridge which enables only pedestrians to pass over the obstacle. No vehicles move over the bridge other than bicycles.

Example of Foot bridge - The Halfpenny Bridge, Dublin — *Example of Foot bridge – The Halfpenny Bridge, Dublin*

Highway Bridge (or) Roadway Bridge

The bridges constructed for the purpose of movement of vehicles over an obstruction is classified as Highway or Roadway Bridge.

Railway Bridge

This type of bridge enables the movement of trains over an obstacle. Steel (Truss) Bridges are most commonly used for this purpose.

Pipe Bridge

Pipe bridges are bridges that support pipelines for gas, oil, water, communication cables, etc., Pipe Bridges include walkways which are utilized only during maintenance. Also, the public movement is restricted in walkways.

Aqueduct

Aqueduct is a structure used to transport water from one location to another over an obstacle.

Road cum railway Bridge

Road cum Railway bridge enables both railway and road transport. It can have either single deck or multi decks.

Bogibeel Bridge - two rail tracks and three road lane — *Bogibeel Bridge – two rail tracks (bottom deck) and three road lanes (top deck)*

Based on Inter span relation:

Types of Bridges based on support condition — *Types of Bridges based on Interspan relation*

Simply Supported Bridge

Simply Supported Bridge is similar to a simply supported single span beam which has supports at its ends. the bridge deck is simply supported at both its ends. It is suitable for shorter spans.

Continuous Bridge

If a bridge is continuous over more than one span (i.e. bridge spanning over more than two supports), then it is called as continuous bridge.

Cantilever Bridge

It is similar to cantilever beam which is fixed at one end and the other end is free. Cantilever bridge is adopted when the supports cannot be placed in specific locations. The two cantilever portions of the bridge are usually joined together. In general, Cantilever beam will have three spans. The middle span of the bridge is constructed as a cantilever.

Based on Service Period:

Types of Bridges based on utility — *Types of Bridges based on Service Period*

Temporary Bridge

The bridges constructed for short term usage are classified as Temporary Bridges. These bridges can be dismantled after the purpose of construction have been served. Temporary Bridges are usually low cost bridges. An example of temporary bridge is that a bridge constructed during floods for evacuation.

Permanent Bridge

These bridges constructed with a view to be used for longer duration are called as Permanent Bridges. Steel and Reinforced Concrete Bridges comes under this category.

Based on the movement of bridge parts:

Types of Bridges based on nature of bridge parts — *Types of Bridges based on Movement of Bridge Parts*

Fixed Bridge

The bridge which is fixed in a particular location is termed as Fixed Bridge. This type of bridge remains in the same location until its failure. Mostly, the fixed bridge does not contain any movable parts. The bridge deck is at a higher level enabling clearance for water transport under them.

Movable Bridge

This type of bridge contains movable parts. The bridge deck moves to permit the passage of boats underneath them. This type of bridges may be dismantled and assembled in other locations.

Based on Navigation Facility:

Swing Bridge

This type of bridge can rotate horizontally with respect to a vertical support provided at the center of the span. The rotation of the bridge deck enables the movement of ships to pass through them.

Bascule Bridge

This type of bridge can lift its deck upwards allowing the movement of ships. The counterweights provided at the end of the span provides stability of bridge deck during lifting.

Traverser Bridge (or) Draw Bridge

The bridge deck moves over wheels or rollers. The bridge deck can be moved towards or away from the shore. The extended part of the bridge acts as cantilever.

Lift Bridge

The bridge in which the bridge deck moves up and down is classified as lift bridge. The vertical movement of bridge deck enables the movement of ships vertically from one water body to another.

Based on position of bridge floor relative to the superstructure:

Types of Bridges based on bridge floor position — *Types of Bridges based on Bridge Floor Position*

Deck Bridge

In Deck Bridge, the Bridge floor is provided at the top of the superstructure. Also, the bridge deck lies between High Flood Level and Formation Level.

Through Bridge

In Through Bridge, the superstructure is completely above formation level. But the bridge floor is at the bottom of superstructure.

Semi Through Bridge

In Semi Through Bridge, the superstructure is partly above and partly below formation level. Also, the bridge floor is provided in the intermediate level of superstructure.

Based on Submergence Condition:

Low Level Bridge (or) Submersible Bridge

The superstructure of the bridge is below the High Flood Level of the water body. So, the bridge deck will submerge in water during the periods of high floods. These types of bridges becomes unusable during the periods of heavy rain.

Example of Submersible Bridge — *Example of Submersible bridge*

High Level Bridge (or) Non Submersible Bridge

The super structure of the bridge is above the High Flood Level of the stream or river. So the bridge deck will never submerge in water even during the periods of heavy rain.

Example of High Level Bridge - Old L&N Bridge (Nashville, Tennessee) — *Example of High Level Bridge – Old L&N Bridge (Nashville, Tennessee)*

Based on level of crossing:

Over Bridge (or) Fly over

The bridges passing over an existing route are classified as over bridge. The route over which the bridge passes can be either a roadway or a railway track.

Example of Over Bridge - Bishton Flyover — *Example of an Over Bridge – Bishton Flyover*

Under Pass

The tunnel passing under an existing route is termed as an Under pass. While constructing an underpass, considerations like drainage facilities and vertical clearance for vehicles must kept in mind.

Based on Bridge Span:

Types of Bridges based on span of the bridge — *Types of Bridges based on Bridge Span*

Culvert Bridge – The bridge of span less than 6 m is termed as Culvert Bridge.
Minor Bridge – The bridges whose span is between 6 m and 60 m is classified as Minor Bridge.
Major Bridge – The bridges whose span is between 60 m and 120 m is classified as Major Bridge.
Long Span Bridge – The bridge of span greater than 120 m is termed as Long Span Bridge.

Based on the Alignment of the Bridge:

Types of Bridges based on alignment of bridge — *Types of Bridges based on Alignment of Bridge*

Straight Bridge

When the alignment of the bridge is perpendicular to the center line of the obstacle (like roadway, railway track or river), then it is called as Straight Bridge.

Skew Bridge

The alignment of the bridge is not perpendicular to the center line of the obstacle. Such bridges are called as Skew Bridge.

Types of Bridges PPT:

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