Types of bridges

Arch bridges
– In these types of bridges, arch is considered as primary component for structure. (generally arch is situated below the bridge). They are formed with one or more hinges based on the types of tolerable load and stress forces. Some instances of arch bridge - “Old Bridge” in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and The Hell Gate Bridge in New York.

Beam bridges
– These are the basic type of bridges to be supported with various beams containing different shapes and sizes. The structures of these bridges will vary from inclined or V shaped. Example of beam bridge is Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in southern Louisiana.

Truss bridges
– These types of bridges are mostly recognized all through the world and they are designed with diagonal mesh of posts over the bridge. The two most familiar designs range from king posts (two diagonal posts attached with a single vertical post in the center) and queen posts (two diagonal posts, two vertical pots and horizontal post are tied with two vertical posts at the top).
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Cantilever bridges
– These types of bridges are identical to arch bridges and supported with diagonal bracing. There exist trusses which are formed both below and above the bridge. Example of cantilever bridge is Queensboro Bridge in New York City.

Tied arch bridges
– These types of bridges are identical to arch bridges. The weight of the bridge and traffic load are transmitted to the top chord that is attached with the bottom cords in bridge foundation. They are often known as bowstring arches or bowstring bridges.

Suspension bridges
– These types of Bridges are constructed with ropes or cables from the vertical suspender to sustain the weight of bridge deck and traffic. Example of suspension bridge is Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Cable-stayed bridges
– These types of Bridges are created with deck cables that are directly attached with one or more vertical columns. Cables are generally attached with columns in two ways – harp design (each cable is connected to the various points of the column, generating harp like design of “strings” and fan design (all cables connect to one point at the top of the column).