Types and different Components of Bridges

The structure of the bridge involves carrying pathways, roadways, or railways across the river or other types of physical obstacles. A bridge has been constructed so that people's vehicles can pass from one side to another side.

Different types of bridges

There are different types of bridges have been constructed on the basis of different physical or other design scope requirements.

Beam Bridge

This type of bridge is also known as a stringer or girder bridge which is one of the most basic types of bridge. This type of bridge consists of vertical piers and horizontal beams. This bridge includes two or more spans along with a pier or abutment at each end. Steel, wood or concrete has been used to construct beam bridges. The beam bridges have been constructed for short distances because this type of bridge has been only supported by its piers. The load of the bridge has been compressed on the bridge’s top and it is applied down the piers to the earth.

Truss Bridge

The design of a truss bridge involves interconnected triangles which help to distribute the weight of the bridge over a wide space. The unique design of this type of bridge has the capacity to carry heavy loads along with fewer materials. Truss bridges are lightweight and long-term durable which can be utilised for short as well as long distances. In a truss bridge, the load of the bridge has been transferred from a single point to a wider area of the bridge. The pressure has been shared among the triangular designs while the load is applied which helps to provide additional support.

Different components of bridges

Bridges are available in various types, in which, most of the bridges have the same components. The various parts of the bridges include:

Deck

This part of the bridge has been accommodated for carrying all traffic thus making it one of the crucial components of the bridge to make safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles.

Superstructure

The superstructure component of the bridges comprises various elements including girders and deck slabs which help to provide support to the deck and helps to connect one substructure of the bridge to another.

Substructure

The super-structure of the bridge has been supported by the substructure. This part also helps to transmit the bridge's structural loads to the foundations. Piers and abutments are the key elements of the substructure of the bridges.

Foundation

This is the essential part of the bridge which helps to transfer the load of the building to the underlying bearing strata. This component helps to support the bridge towers, piers and portal frames of the buildings. There are different types of foundations have been used in constructing a bridge including pile foundations.

Girder or beam

This is the integral part of the superstructure of the bridge which is used to bear the deck. This type of structural component of the bridge bends along the span and helps to provide essential support for the deck.

Bridge tower

This component is the vertical support of the bride which is usually used in suspension bridges. High-strength concrete has been employed to construct the bridge tower.

Pier

This is another crucial component of the bridge which provides support for the superstructure of the bridge and also helps to transfer the load of the bridge to the bridge’s foundation. This part of the bridge is used in the spanned bridges. There are several factors that influence the size and shape of the piers which include the economic considerations, site-specific considerations, spatial considerations and others.

Pier cap

This part of the bridge is also known as the headstock which helps to transfer the load from the superstructure to the pier of the bridge. The substantial seating for girders has been offered by this bridge component which helps to distribute the load from bearing to the piers.

Bearings

This component helps to provide support for the superstructure components of the bridges. This part also helps to allow controlled movement as well as reduce the stress in the structure of the bridge.

Piles and Pile cap

This part of the bridge is the slender structural member which is able to resist various loads of the bridge. On the other hand, pile caps are thick reinforced concrete slabs which help to provide a stable foundation.

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Video Source: VinCivil World

Bridge anchor

This bridge component has been employed in cable-stayed bridges or suspension bridges. This part also helps to play an important role in stabilizing the structure of the bridge.

Suspension cable

In cable-stayed bridges or suspension bridges, suspension cables are used which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the bridge. This part of the bridge helps to hand and support the deck of the bridge.