Bridges come in all shapes and sizes. Most are innocuous or even unnoticeable, while others are grand technological marvels that evoke wonder at the scale and complexity of human innovation.

There are a whole host of different varieties of bridges, each suited to the scale, budget, and profile of different crossings.

Construction

Beam bridges are the simplest type of bridge. They are constructed by placing beams across two or more supports. They are typically used for short spans and are commonly found in residential areas. Most are very basic in construction; older examples were often built with wood, but modern beam bridges would usually include steel and concrete. 

Other, more complex bridges require more advanced materials, including reinforced steel and more modern materials including fibre-reinforced polymer composites and other high-tech Australian concrete solutions.

Arch bridges are constructed using an arch-shaped structure to span a body of water or valley. The arch distributes the weight of the bridge and its load to the supports at either end, allowing for longer spans than with a beam bridge. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Chaotianmen Bridge in Chongqing, China are two famous examples of arch bridges.

Suspension bridges use cables to support the roadway. The cables are anchored at each end of the bridge and pass over towers, to which the roadway is suspended. Suspension bridges are known for their long spans and are often used for crossing large bodies of water. Famous suspension bridges include the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and the Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge, the longest and most expensive suspension bridge in the world, which connects the island of Awaji with the city of Kobe in Japan.

Cable-stayed bridges are similar to suspension bridges, but instead of having cables anchored at both ends, they have cables anchored at one end and attached to towers. This allows for a more direct transfer of the load to the supports. Cable bridges are often considered the most beautiful type of bridge.

Many of the world’s most modern and architecturally impressive bridges, like the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston, or the massive Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge that crosses the entire Pearl River Delta in China, utilise this type of construction. This is primarily because of its combination of beauty and durability.

Truss bridges utilize a structure made of triangles to distribute the weight of the bridge and its load to the supports at either end. Truss bridges are known for their strength and efficiency, and are often used for railway bridges, or other short-span bridges that will endure consistent heavy loads. The longest truss bridge in the world is the Ikitsuki Bridge in Nagasaki, spanning over 400 meters, over 30 meters longer than any other truss bridge to date.

Maintenance

Once a bridge is built, regular maintenance is required to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure. Bridges are regularly inspected to identify any issues or defects that need to be addressed. Inspections typically include visual inspections, as well as non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing and impact echo testing.

Bridges are often painted or coated to protect the steel and concrete from the elements. This helps to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the structure.

The roadway or deck of a bridge needs to be maintained to ensure it remains smooth and safe for vehicles and pedestrians. This includes activities such as patching, resurfacing, and joint repair. Older bridges often need to be retrofitted with more up-to-date materials to reinforce strength and add additional stability. Drainage systems need to be maintained to prevent water from pooling on the bridge deck, which can cause erosion and freeze-thaw damage.

Some types of bridges require more specific maintenance. Suspension and cable-stayed bridges require regular maintenance of the cables and anchors to ensure that they remain strong and secure. Truss bridges and other structural elements may require maintenance, such as tightening bolts or adding new structural members.

Maintaining a bridge requires regular inspections, reparations, and ongoing investment. This process is a combination of engineering expertise, safety focus and financial considerations that also involves collaboration between government agencies, local municipalities, and reliable construction firms with experience building and maintaining bridges.

Also read: 9 Most Deadliest Footpaths Around The World

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