Different Types of Beam Bridges – Pros and Cons of Beam Bridges

What is Beam Bridge?

A beam bridge is a type of bridge among all kinds of bridges, this is the simplest and most common bridge used everywhere. It may be of stone block or wood plank laid across the stream.

Beam bridge definition

A beam made of vertical piers and horizontal beams is the beam bridge. Which has a long span.

Examples of Beam Bridges

Name of Bridge	Location	Height	Length	Width
Manchac Swamp	Louisiana USA	15 m	36690 m	95 m
Feiyunjiang Bridge	Rui’an China	162 m	2596 m	37 m

Also Read: Basic Knowledge of bridge Engineering

Types of Beam Bridges

Based on the geometry:

1. Straight beam

The straight beam meets the actual criteria. If it meets the required criteria of fixed intervals of .10 inches then it meets the criteria of straight.

2. Curved beam

In the Curved beam to determine the stress in the curved member some assumptions are made. Like, a cross-section has an axis of symmetry in the same plane along with beam length. And also modulus of elasticity remains the same in tension and compression.

3. Tapered beam

A tapered beam is not subjected to uniform load. It is subject to tip bending load for the distribution of stress.

Based on the shape of the cross-section:

1. I-beam

I-beams are very economical and easy to use. Due to its, shape flanges, it has a high moment of inertia which help to resist the moment.

2. T-beam

The T-beam is made of cement concrete block. Also, an isolated T-beam is constructed to extend the compressive strength of the beam.

3. C-beam

C-beam is also known as a channel beam. It is constructed of different materials like, steel, cement concrete, wood, etc. channel beam is constructed in large building and bridges. Mainly, it is for load-carrying action.

Based on equilibrium conditions:

1. Statically determinate beam

The reaction forces of this beam, if it is determined by equilibrium equations only then is known as the statically determinate beam.

2. Statically indeterminate beam

If we need materials properties to determine the reaction forces not only the equilibrium equation then it is known as a statically indeterminate beam.

Based on the type of support:

1. Simply supported beam

A beam which merely supported with a finish end or roller support is known as a simply supported beam.

2. Cantilever beam

It is a beam only supported with one end and free at the other ends. And one end is fixed support to the beam.

3. Overhanging beam

It is supported by at least two fixed or a variety of supports at one another end. And the part of the beam is extending far from the support.

4. Continuous beam

If the beam is rather has fixed or roller support which is more than two then the two ends are continuous beams.

5. Fixed-beam

The end of the beam is supported with rigid kinds of supports, not the simple/roller is known as a fixed beam.

 

Also Read: Different Types of Beam and its Classification

What are Beam Bridges Made of?

Nowadays new technologies are used for construction so according to that different materials are used for beam bridges.

So beam bridges are made of advanced material are:

1. Timber
2. Iron
3. Steel
4. Reinforced cement concrete
5. Prestressed concrete

Mostly prestressed concrete is used as it has bearability of high compressive strength.

Weight & Strength of Beam Bridge

Mainly weight and strength of the beam bridge depend on height, length, and width criteria. Also, strength depends on the distance between piers. So this beam bridge is not suitable for extended length but if small bridges are connected then it is good.

Advantages of Beam Bridge

The pros of beam bridge are as follow:

1. Beam bridge is very easy to construct and maintain.
2. It is used in any area whether it is rural or urban.
3. Mostly beam bridges rest on simple support.
4. Beam bridges are best as they survive through thermal expansion.
5. Beam bridges are economical compared to other bridges.

Disadvantages of Beam Bridge

The cons of beam bridge are as follow:

1. Beam bridges are suitable for smaller spans so long spans will be expensive.
2. It required frequent maintenance.
3. It goes under sagging due to excessive load.
4. Not good for aesthetic view.

Also Read: Complete guide on Load Bearing Structure 

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