Bridge structural types.

" Bridge structural types."

The earliest forms of bridges were constructed from the materials that were
available at the time such as stone and timber. Some suspension bridges
were also constructed from rope like materials such as vines and bamboo
canes. Before the advent of steel most bridges
were constructed form masonry arches and an
example of theis is the Pont du Gard at Nimes
in France.

Bridges can be classified into the following

categories:-

1. Beam, including truss and cantilever.

Simple Beam:- this is where you have a single span bridge constructed
from a beam of steel or reinforced concrete.

Trussed Beam:- In this system is usually used where the span exceeds 45m
and it can be simply supported or cantilevered. Truss briges are mainly
used for long spans as in the example of the Quebec bridge shown below.

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 Bridge structural types.

Cantilever Beams:- The cantilever bridge is based on the same principle as

that of the cantilever beam it is supported at either end and has a suspended
section in the middle. The piers at each end act as anchorage points and the
bridge is built from each of these points.

2. Suspension.

With large spans such as 600m or more then suspension bridges are used
because they are more economical, but they can also be used for smaller
spans if desired.

As can be seen form the diagram there is a central span with two side
spans. The cables exert forces on the piers but due to the fact that the
cables are pulling in oppsite direction the resulting force is almost vertical.

3. Arch.

The masonry arch bridge has been inexistance for many years as was seen
above in the aqueducts of Nimes in France. Modern arch bridges are

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 Bridge structural types.

constructed form reinforced concrete and steel.

There are different types of arch bridges and

an exapmle of the stiffened tie-arch or bow-
string girder bridge is illustrated oppsite.

In a archeery bow the string prevents the bow

from flattening out and this same principle is
applied in here where the road girders take the
thrusts of the arch.

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