Getting from one side of a river to the other is something that humans have been doing since the dawn of time. Bridges are a great way to cross rivers and other bodies of water, but not all bridges are created equal. Different types of bridges boast different levels of strength, durability, and cost. So which type of bridge is the strongest? Let’s take a look.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a structure that is built over a river, a road, or some other obstruction. Depending on the type of bridge, it can span hundreds of feet or just a few. Bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including steel, concrete, wood, and stone.
The Different Types of Bridges
There are many different types of bridges that are used around the world. Some of the most common types are arch bridges, beam bridges, cantilever bridges, cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, and truss bridges.
Arch Bridges
Arch bridges are the oldest type of bridge in existence. The design consists of a curved arch held up by support pillars. The arch distributes the weight of the bridge and its load evenly, which makes it one of the strongest types of bridges. However, arch bridges can be difficult to construct and require a lot of material.
Beam Bridges
Beam bridges are one of the most common types of bridges in the world. As the name suggests, these bridges are made up of beams that are supported by pillars or piers. Beam bridges are strong and can support heavy loads, but they are limited in their length and span.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are like beam bridges in that they are made up of beams and supported by pillars. However, cantilever bridges use two separate beams that are connected at the ends, creating an arch-like shape. This design allows them to span greater distances than beam bridges, but they are more expensive and complex to build.
Cable-Stayed Bridges
Cable-stayed bridges are similar to cantilever bridges in that they are made up of two separate beams connected at the ends. However, instead of relying on pillars or piers to support the weight, they use cables to support the beams. This design allows for greater spans and longer lengths than cantilever bridges, but they are more expensive and complex to build.
Suspension Bridges
Suspension bridges are the longest and strongest type of bridge in existence. These bridges use cables to support the roadway, allowing them to span distances of up to a mile or more. Suspension bridges are expensive to build and require a lot of maintenance, but they are the strongest type of bridge.
Truss Bridges
Truss bridges are one of the oldest types of bridges in existence. These bridges are made up of triangles, which are stronger than other shapes and can support a greater load. Truss bridges are relatively simple to construct and are less expensive than other types of bridges, but they are limited in their length and span.
Which Type of Bridge is the Strongest?
When it comes to strength, the strongest type of bridge is the suspension bridge. These bridges use cables to support the roadway, allowing them to span distances of up to a mile or more. This design makes them the strongest and most durable type of bridge.