Types of bridge
A bridge is a spanning structure that creates a passage over an obstacle such as a river, gorge, valley, road, railway and so on.
There are a wide range of different types of bridge, including:
- Aqueduct (a bridge carrying water).
- Arch bridges (a load-bearing arch in a state of compression).
- Bascule bridge (a lifting bridge).
- Beam bridges (simple beam or cantilever structures).
- Drawbridge (lifted at one end by cables – sometimes associated with castles and other defensive buildings).
- Green bridge (a crossing that allows the safe passage of wildlife).
- Half through bridge (a bridge in which the lower chord carries the vehicular or pedestrian traffic).
- Lift bridge (a bridge that lifts to allow passage underneath).
- Movable bridge (a spanning structure that can change position or shape to accommodate different situations.
- Navigable aqueduct (structures that incorporate canals above other waterways, valleys or transportation infrastructure).
- Overbridge (a bridge crossing over a transport corridor).
- Pontoon bridge (a floating bridge).
- Retractable bridge (to accommodate different situations and different types of traffic – such as a thrust bridge).
- Submersible bridge (or ducking bridge).
- Suspension bridges (towers secured by cables that suspend the central structural span or deck).
- Swing bridge (a bridge that opens by swinging).
- Through bridge (a bridge in which the lower chord carries the vehicular or pedestrian traffic and having cross-bracing located above the traffic).
- Underbridge (a bridge crossing under a transport corridor such as a railway).
- Viaduct (a bridge like structure composed of a series of spans, used to carry roads and railways across valleys and other depressions).
NB The word 'bridge' can also be a used as a verb meaning to make a bridge over something or between things.
In the construction industry, the word bridge might also refer to a cold bridge. This is a situation in which there is a direct connection between the inside and outside of a building through one or more elements that are more thermally conductive than the rest of the building envelope. For more information see: Cold bridge.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 3D printed bridge.
- Assessing bridges.
- Bridge construction.
- Bridge structures.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge.
- Examples of bridges.
- Garden bridge.
- Genoa bridge collapse.
- Learning from the Genoa bridge collapse.
- London Bridge and its houses, c1209-1761.
- Optimal arch bridge.
- Queensferry Crossing.
- Saving Dick Nunn's bridge.
- The Iron Bridge.
- The Menai Suspension Bridge.
- The Millau Viaduct.
Featured articles and news
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.
Any more information about viaducts?