Infrastructure remains unnoticed by the common man until it stops working. For example, we only realize the significance of a bridge or a road when it is closed for some reason causing us to be late for our destination.
The least that we all can do to contribute to the nation’s infrastructure is keeping ourselves informed about the same. Here, we will discuss some basic types of bridges that we must have seen somewhere in the real or virtual world.
What is a Bridge?
A Bridge is defined as a structure built across a water body, valley or road to create a safe, convenient and continuous passage over that obstacle. It is one of the critical infrastructure components for any nation as it facilitates the movement of people, goods & transport, thus contributing significantly to economic development.
Bridge Design, Construction & Maintenance
The responsibility of public bridges rests with the state government or a government agency, which further entrusts a private Bridge Design Company (Consultant or Contractor or both ) for the bridge erection. The operation and maintenance of the bridge after its completion is also taken care of by the government through the hired private firm.
What are the Five Basic Types of Bridges?
1. Arch Bridge
Arch Bridges are one of the oldest types of bridges favored for transportation. Earlier constructed with stones & concrete, today most of the arch bridges are built with steel. The design of an arch bridge is the simplest among all other bridge designs.
Advantages
Extremely Strong & Rigid
Easy to build with locally available materials like stone, concrete, steel, etc.
Grows stronger with time
Disadvantages
Time-Consuming
Location Constraints
2. Beam Bridge
Beam Bridges, also known as stringer bridges, are the most basic type of bridges, consisting of horizontal beams and vertical piers. These are usually constructed using Wood, Steel, RCC, etc. These long bridges are constructed to carry pedestrians, automobiles, trucks, light rail, and heavy rail.
Advantages
Easy Construction
Good for short spans
Disadvantages
Limited Span not enough for large vehicles & boats to pass underneath
Basic Design
3.Cable-Stayed Bridge
Cable-Stayed Bridges are modern bridge designs consisting of one or more vertical columns. Weight of the bridge deck is supported by a number of cables or stays running from the deck to these towers, forming either a harp or a fan design.
Advantages
Unquestionable Strength
Lesser Construction Time
Cost-Effective
Disadvantages
Difficult to Repair
Susceptible to Corrosion & Rust
4.Suspension Bridge
As its name suggests, a suspension bridge is a type of bridge in which the bridge deck is suspended by cables from two vertical suspenders or towers. This type of bridge is suitable to carry pedestrians, bicycles, livestock, automobiles, trucks & light rail.
Advantages
Lightweight yet strong
Longer Spans
Disadvantages
Prone to strong winds
Not suitable for heavy rail traffic
5.Truss bridge
As its name implies, this type of bridges consists of a truss – a structure consisting of beams and other elements connected as triangles. These bridges are comparatively stronger and can survive in the areas of powerful winds. Apart from pedestrians, automobiles and light rail, these are also capable of carrying heavy rail traffic.
Advantages
Strong & Rigid
Remain unaffected even in extreme conditions
Effective Use of Materials
Disadvantages
Need High Maintenance
Complex Designs
Require More Space