Chapter 3

BRIDGE TYPES AND SELECTION

3.1 Types of Bridges

3.2 Selection of Bridges
3.1 Types of Bridges
• Bridges classified according to their
superstructure
• Superstructure classified based on
– Material
– Span length
– Structural form
– Span types
– Load path characteristics
– Usage
– Position (movable bridges)
– Deck type (double deck and combination)
3.1.1 Classification by Structural Form
• Structural form refers to the load resisting mechanism of a
bridge
• Only certain types of structural forms are suitable and
economically viable for certain span ranges
a) Slab-stringer bridges (stringers=longitudinal
beams)
- deck slab supported on stringers
-slab usually concrete, sometimes timber
-stringers: RC, PSC, steel or timber
- most suitable for short span
- in medium and long span, slab-stringer supported on
trusses, arches, cables
- in T- and box girder, slab cast monolithically with girders
b) Orthotropic bridges

• has different elastic properties in perpendicular

directions
• Evolved from steel plate deck to economize on
use of material
• deck plate is stiffened by and welded to
shallow grid work of steel ribs
 c) Truss Bridges
• Used for longer spans than girder range
(truss>92m span)
• Trusses carry large load by virtue of truss
action with small amount of steel
• Chords provide couple to resist moment
– Shorter span range, constant depth: pratt, warren,
howe
– Longer spans, variable depth: parker
– Very long spans, slope>600: k-truss
Truss bridges cont. . .

• Position floor(deck): deck-truss, through-truss

and half-through truss bridges
– Clearance requirement through-trusses, >7.32m for
highway, >9.15m for railway bridges
• Two reasons for truss bridge unpopularity from
past
– lack of aesthetics
– prohibitively high life time cost
d) Rigid Frame Bridges

• Superstructure supported on monolithic

vertical or slanting legs
• Economical for moderate medium span lengths
• For v-shaped valleys with rock foundation
e) Arch Bridges
• The oldest types of bridges
• Economical for medium and long spans
• Classification of arches:
• Nature of ribs: truss arch or solid rib arch
• Degree of articulation: two-hinged or three-
hinged arch
• Position of deck: through arch, half through
and deck arch
f) Cantilever Bridges

• Cantilever bridges were the solutions for large

deflections caused by heavy railway traffic on
long span truss bridges in the late 1800s
• Consists of anchor spans, cantilever spans and
suspended span
• This results in substantial reduction of moment
• Cantilever span can be constructed without
falsework
g) Cable stayed Bridges

• Very competitive for medium and long spans

• Superstructure is supported at several points
• Aesthetically attractive

h) Suspension Bridges
• Known to span the longest spans
• Cable profile is a catenary
• Consists of the towers, the anchorages, the cables
and the deck
 3.1.2 Classification by Span Types

• Simple span bridges

• Multiple simple span bridges
• Continuous bridges

• 3.1.3 Classification by Load Path

Characteristics
• One dimensional system : slab bridges
• Two dimensional system: slab-stringer bridges
 3.1.4 Classification by Position

• To provide vertical clearance for navigable

waterways
• When topography dictates that the roadway
should be close to the surface
• Evolved from draw bridges of middle ages by
feudal lords to defend their castle
• Three kinds
– Bascule bridge
– Lift bridge
– Swing bridge
 3.1.4 Classification by Life Span
• Permanent bridges
• Temporary bridges

3.1.4 Combination and Double Deck

Bridges
Highway traffic only or combination of highway
and railway