Different Types of Bridges
The different types and shapes of bridges range from beam bridges to triangle and square bridges. When constructing a bridge, looking into what bridges are the strongest should be the first step.
The first of three common bridge types is the beam bridge. The first beam bridges were most likely constructed with tree trunks or logs; this assumption was made based upon the origin of the wood. If using piers, we should decide how tall they should be and take into account what is going to move below the bridge. For the span of the bridge, the strength, weight, and the length of the beams used will control how long the span of the bride is. The thicker the material, the greater weight the bridge will hold as well as the longer the bridge will span. However, the larger the beam is, the heavier the bridge is. So one aspect must be compromised for another.
A different kind of long spanning bridge is a cantilever. This type of bridge is similar to the lever bridge. In a cantilever bridge, the two ends of a bridge are secured to the ground. They would act similar to two connected diving boards. In a cantilever bridge, the inner, center beam would be laid across these diving boards with the ends supporting it and keeping it aloft. These bridges are designed to cross large bodies of water.
The second type of bridge is the suspension bridge. These bridges are able to use tension to stay together and can span the longest of all bridges. Unlike most bridges, the suspension bridges pull in a sense instead of pushing. These bridges are very pliable and often sway. This is okay as long as it is not in sync with the wind. The swaying could leave the bridge breaking if the wind picks up.
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