Types of bridges
Suspension bridge
The deck (on which is the road or railway) of a suspension bridge is hung by cables which hang from towers. The cables transfer the weight to the towers, which transfer the weight to the ground.
Beam (girder) bridge
The beam type is the simplest type of bridge. It is made of two or more supports which hold up a beam, often a steel girder.
Arch bridge
In the arch type of bridge, weight is carried outward along two paths, curving toward the ground.
Cantilever bridge
In the cantilever type of bridge, two beams (which must be firmly anchored) support another beam, which is where the deck for the road or railway is.
