Bridges

Civil Engineering ESSAT 2018-2019
Bridges
1. BEAM BRIDGE:
Beam bridges are the simplest bridge type normally consists of one or more spans, supported by abutment or
pier at each end. Beam bridges are usually constructed of RCC or steel or a combination of both RCC and
Steel. The concrete elements used in beam bridges may be reinforced, prestressed or post-tensioned.
Types of beam bridges are girder bridge, box girder bridge, plate girder bridge etc.
2. ARCH BRIDGE:
As the name suggests, arch bridge consists of curve-shaped abutment at each end. Generally, the roadway of
bridge lies on the arch structure. The arch squeezes together and this squeezing force is carried along the
curve to support at each end. The abutments then push back on the arch and prevent the arch ends from
spreading apart.
The span of arch bridges is normally up to 800 feet and made of stone, steel, or concrete.
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3. CANTILEVER BRIDGE:
Cantilever bridge is constructed using cantilever span, i.e the span is supported at one end and the other end
is opened. Usually, two cantilever parts are joined to make the roadway.
4. SUSPENSION BRIDGE:
In suspension bridge, the deck slab is suspended using ropes, chains or high tensile strength steel cables. The
roadway hangs from massive steel cables, which are draped over two towers and secured by anchors on both
ends of the bridge. The anchors are made from solid concrete blocks. The cables transfer the loads into
compression in the two towers. usually, this type of bridge can span 2000 – 7000 feet.
5. CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE:
Cable-stayed bridges are similar to suspension bridges as they also use cables but in different form. They
consist of fewer cables and the height of the towers is much greater than suspension bridge.
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6. TRUSS BRIDGE:
The superstructure of truss bridge is constructed by using trusses which are comprised of many small
elements forming triangular trusses. Truss is used because it is very rigid structure and it can transfer the load
from a single point to much wider area.
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF BRIDGE:
1. DECK:
Deck is the portion which carries all the traffic.
2. SUPERSTRUCTURE:
The portion which supports the deck slab and girder and connects one sub structure to the other. That means
all the elements of the bridge attached to a supporting system can be categorized as superstructure.
3. SUB STRUCTURE:
The parts of the bridge which support the superstructure and transmits all the structural loads of the bridge to
the foundations. For example piers, abutments etc.
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4. FOUNDATION:
Foundation is the portion which transmits loads to the bearing strata. Foundation is required to support the
piers, bridge towers, portal frames. Generally, piles and well foundations such as H-pile, bore pile, pipe pile
or precast concrete piles are adopted.
6. GIRDER OR BEAM:
Beam or girder is the part of superstructure which bends along the span. The deck is supported by beams.
7. BRIDGE TOWER:
It is the vertical supporting part used for cable stayed or suspension bridge. High strength concrete and Insitu
method are adopted to construct the bridge tower.
Cable stayed bridge
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8. PIER CAP:
Pier cap is the topmost part of a pier which transfers loads from superstructure to the pier. It is also known
as headstock. It provides sufficient seating for the girders and distributes the loads from the bearings to the
piers.
9. PIER:
Pier is the part of the substructure that supports the superstructure and transfers loads of super structure to
the foundations. Pier is suitable for spanned bridges with maximum width of deck up to 8 m (2 traffic lanes).
The shape and size of pier mainly depend on aesthetics, site, space and economic constraints of the
construction.
10. BEARINGS:
Bearing is a device which supports the parts of superstructure and transfers loads and movements from the
deck to the substructure and foundation. The main purpose of providing a bearing is to permit controlled
movement and decrease the stress involved.
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11. PILE CAP AND PILES:

Pile is a slender member driven into the surrounding soil to resist the loads. Pile cap is a thick reinforced
concrete slab cast on top of the group piles to distribute loads.
Bridge Foundation Pile Cap Process

12. BRIDGE ANCHOR:
Bridge anchor is only used in suspension and cable-stayed bridges to resist the pull from suspension cable or
counter span of the bridge.
13. SUSPENSION CABLE:

It is used in suspension and cable-stayed bridges for the hanging, supporting and counter balancing of the
bridge deck.

Bridges

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Civil Engineering ESSAT 2018-2019

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF BRIDGE:

Cable stayed bridge

11. PILE CAP AND PILES:

Bridge Foundation Pile Cap Process

13. SUSPENSION CABLE:

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