There are 4 major types of bridges. We have a separate page for each type of bridge. Please go to one of the following pages.

Beam - The beam type is the simplest type of bridge. The beam bridge could be anything as simple as a plank of wood to a complex structure. It is made of two or more supports which hold up a beam.

Arch - In the arch type of bridge, weight is carried outward along two paths, curving toward the ground.



Suspension/Cable-stayed - The deck (trafficway) of a suspension bridge is hung by cables which hang from towers. The cables transfer the weight to the towers, which transfer the weight to the ground.
Cable-stayed bridges have towers, but cables from the towers go directly to the road deck, instead of spanning from tower to tower.

Cantilever - In the cantilever type of bridge, two beams support another beam, which is where the deck or trafficway is. The two beams must be anchored, and this must be done well.


Navigation: Home - Types of Bridges - Bridge History - Bridge Records - Materials: Concrete, Steel