Bridge Engineering – Components of Bridge Structures

A bridge is a structure providing passage over an obstacle without closing the way beneath. The
required passage may be for a road, a railway, pedestrians, a canal or a pipeline. The obstacle to be
crossed may be a river, a road, railway or a valley.

components of bridge
Classification of Bridges
Classification of Bridges (According to form (or) type of superstructures)

1. Slab bridge
2. Beam bridge
3. Truss bridge
4. Arch bridge
5. Cable stayed (or )suspended bridge

Classification of bridges (According to material of construction of superstructure)

1. Timber bridge
2. Concrete bridge
3. Stone bridge
4. R.C.C bridge
5. Steel bridge
6. P.C.C bridge
7. Composite bridge
8. Aluminum bridge
 Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge
Classification of bridges (According to inter-span relationship)

1. Simply supported bridge

2. Cantilever bridge
3. Continuous bridge

Classification of bridges (According to the position of the bridge floor relative to

superstructures)

1. Deck through bridge

2. Half through or suspension bridge

Classification according to method of connection of different part of superstructures

1. Pinned connection bridge

2. Riveted connection bridge
3. Welded connection bridge
 New River Gorge Bridge made of weather resistant steel
According to length of bridge

1. Culvert bridge(less than 6 m)

2. Minor bridge(less than 6 m-60m)
3. Major bridge(more than 60 m)
4. Long span bridge(more than 120 m)

According to function

1. Aqueduct bridge(canal over a river)

2. Viaduct(road or railway over a valley or river)
3. Pedestrian bridge
4. Highway bridge
5. Railway bridge
6. Road-cum-rail or pipe line bridge