What Is a Beam Bridge And Their Types

Introduction of Beam Bridge

Important Point

A beam bridge is a structure in which a road is built over it without physical obstruction (such as a water body, valley, road, or rail ).

The function of the beam bridge is to pass through the barrier. A beam bridge should be built where it is difficult or impossible to get from one place to another.

Many different designs of bridges serve a specific purpose. Bridges are built for a specific purpose in different situations.

Bridge designs vary depending on various factors, such as the work of the bridge, the construction of the bridge, and its location. In addition, it depends on the material used to build the bridge and its quality.

Also, Read: Singly Reinforced vs Doubly Reinforced Beam | What Is Singly Reinforced Beam | What Is Doubly Reinforced Beam

What Is a Beam Bridge?

The Beam Bridge is also known as the Second Stringer Bridge. The design for this type of beam is fairly simple structural. It is supported by an abutment or pier at each end.

A beam bridge is a commonly used bridge. A Beam bridge is a type of girder bridge. The bridge’s main purpose is to provide a way to go from one end to the other.

A beam bridge is the simplest and cheapest type of bridge.

The most basic form of beam bridge consists of a horizontal beam supported by piers or abutments at each end. In this type of bridge, the weight of the beam pushes directly down on the pillars or abutment.

This type of beam should be strong enough not to bend under force due to its own weight and traffic. When compression force is applied to a load beam.

Then the top edge of the beam feels compression. And tension force is applied to the bottom edge. At the beginning of the bridge, simple beam bridges were made of wooden planks or stone slabs.

Bridges in modern infrastructure are usually made of steel or reinforced concrete, or a combination of both. Materials like solid reinforced, precast concrete or post-tensioned, etc., can be used. Modern bridges include girder, plate girder, girder bridges, etc., in beam bridges.

Beams can be used for different spans in bridges. Beam bridges are used in some viaducts. Like the Fungjiang Bridge in China, it is made from various beams supplied on the pier.

Also, Read: Beam Load Calculator

Types of Beam Bridges

Beam bridges are categorized according to the criteria and as required in different situations. These are as follows.

Straight Beam Bridge
Curved Beam Bridge
Tapered Beam Bridge

# Based on the Shape of the Cross-Section of the Bridge

I-Beam Bridge
T-Beam Bridge
C-Beam Bridge

1. Based on the Geometry

1. A Straight Beam, Curved Beam Bridge

Bending moment and shear force are generated depending on the shape of the straight beam. When a curved beam produces shear force, bending moment, and torsion load according to its shape.

2. Tapered Beam

This type of beam is designed to analyze the distribution of stress and displacement. In addition, a tapered beam is constructed subject to the tip-bending girder.

2. Based on the Shape of the Cross-Section of the Bridge

1. I-Beam Bridge

I-Beam is economical and pre-fabricated. Which is made from material made from ms steel. The horizontal components of the eye beam are fixed with flanges on the vertical member.

2. T-Beam Bridge

In a T-shaped bridge, the top is held as a flange or compression member to resist compressive stress. The shear in the web portion below the compression flange resists stress and resists forces such as compression and tension.

3. C-Beam Bridge

C-beams are also called channel beams. Channel beams can be made from materials like concrete, steel, and heavy wood, channel beams carry, etc. c beam for load-carrying action in the bridge.

Also, Read: 20 Types of Construction Beam & Their Uses

How Does a Beam Bridge Works?

The beam is formed by the component of the horizontal beam in the bridge. The load coming from the beam bridge pushes the pier. The pier transfers the load coming from the bridge to the base due to heavy traffic.

The total weight of the beam in the beam bridge is the pressure on the support. The beam should be strong enough to withstand its own weight and the force coming through the movement of traffic. The strength of the beam bridge depends on the span between the two pillars.

The Structure of the Bridge Is Classified into Three Parts.

Substructure
Superstructure
Deck of the Bridge

1. Substructure

This structure includes foundations like a pier, abutment, pile, etc. The weight of the bridge through the base transfers the load underground.

2. Superstructure

The superstructure of the bridge is the support beams, the bridge which is installed between the two supports.

3. Deck of the Bridge

The function of the bridge deck is to carry the force generated due to the speed of traffic from one end to the other.

Also, Read: Detail of Beam Connection | Simple Framing Connection | Semi-Rigid Framing Connection | Rigid Frame Connection

Advantage of Beam Bridge

The beam bridge is very useful and easy for short spans.
The method of constructing a beam bridge is simple and straightforward.
The beam bridge is used for the pathway in the railway station.
The beam bridge can be used by increasing the number of beams on the piers for long distances.
This type of beam is formed in part between the truss bridge and the arch bridge.
Form Beam Bridge is used for short-term beam bridges. Which is the lowest cost-effective type of beam bridge construction
This type of beam is formed between abutments or pillars where the gaps are parallel to the traffic direction.

Also, Read: Spandrel Beam Definition | Properties of Spandrel Beam | Advantages & Disadvantages of Spandrel Beam | Uses of Spandrel Beam | Spandrel Beam Design

Disadvantage of Beam Bridge

Beam bridges also prove to be expensive for short spans. Because it uses expensive steel and concrete as building materials. Which is very expensive.

Supporting a beam bridge proves to be very expensive when intended for use for very long spans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Beam Bridge, and How Does It Function?

A beam bridge is a type of bridge that utilizes a horizontal beam supported by piers or abutments at each end. Its function is to provide a pathway over obstacles like rivers, valleys, or roads without physical interference, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to cross.

What Are the Main Components of a Beam Bridge?

The main components of a beam bridge include the horizontal beam (the bridge itself), supporting piers or abutments, foundations (substructure), and the bridge deck (superstructure). These elements work together to distribute loads and ensure structural stability.

What Materials Are Typically Used in Constructing Beam Bridges?

Beam bridges can be constructed using materials such as steel, reinforced concrete, or a combination of both. Steel beams offer strength and flexibility, while reinforced concrete provides durability and resistance to environmental factors.

What Are the Advantages of Beam Bridges?

Beam bridges are advantageous for short to moderate spans due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They are easy to construct, versatile in design, suitable for various terrains, and can accommodate pedestrian as well as vehicular traffic.

What Are the Different Types of Beam Bridges Based on Geometry and Cross-Section Shape?

Beam bridges can be classified based on geometry into straight beam bridges, curved beam bridges, and tapered beam bridges. Based on cross-section shape, they can be categorized as I-Beam bridges, T-Beam bridges, and C-Beam bridges, each offering unique structural characteristics.