Bridge structures
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
A bridge is a spanning structure that creates a passage over an obstacle such as a river, gorge, valley, road, railway and so on.
Bridges are a common feature of the built environment and one of the key elements of civil engineering. The basic principles of bridge design are dependent on the nature of the spanning structure; its shape, materials, means of support, distance spanned, terrain, function, budget, exposure and so on.
The three basic types of bridge structure are:
Other definitions related to bridges include:
- A green bridge - a crossing that allows the safe passage of wildlife.
- An overbridge - a bridge crossing over a transport corridor.
- An underbridge - a bridge crossing under a transport corridor such as a railway.
- A viaduct - a bridge like structure composed of a series of spans, used to carry roads and railways across valleys and other depressions.
- A half through bridge - a bridge in which the lower chord carries the vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- A through bridge - a bridge in which the lower chord carries the vehicular or pedestrian traffic and having cross-bracing located above the traffic.’ Ref Iron and Steel bridges: condition appraisal and remedial treatment, published by CIRIA in 2008.
- The span of a bridge is the horizontal distance between its supports.
- The underside of a bridge is described as a 'soffit'.
- The surface of a bridge which allows passage is describes as a 'deck'.
For more information about the different types of bridges and construction methods, see Bridge construction.
For information about some of the most famous bridges, see Bridges of the world.
Other articles on Designing Buildings Wiki about bridges, include:
- 3D printed bridge.
- Assessing bridges.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge.
- Counterweights.
- Garden bridge.
- Genoa bridge collapse.
- Learning from the Genoa bridge collapse.
- London Bridge and its houses, c1209-1761.
- Optimal arch bridge.
- Queensferry Crossing.
- Saving Dick Nunn's bridge.
- The Iron Bridge.
- The Menai Suspension Bridge.
- The Millau Viaduct.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Aqueduct.
- Arches.
- Bascule bridge.
- Bridge chapel.
- Civil engineer.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge.
- Dam construction.
- Examples of bridges.
- Five bridges worth visiting during a UK staycation.
- Going the extra mile to extend the lifespan of the Menai Suspension Bridge.
- John Rennie.
- Movable bridge.
- Navigable aqueduct.
- Parleys Canyon Wildlife Bridge.
- Piers.
- Pile foundations.
- Pontoon bridge.
- Road construction.
- Railway engineering.
- Retractable bridge.
- River engineering.
- Submersible bridge.
- Swing bridge.
- The architecture of British bridges.
- Types of structural load.
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.