A brief description on classification of bridges based on various categories are presented.

1. Types of Bridges:
An overview

2. Bridge
• Bridge is defined as a rigid structure that spans
horizontally between the supports built with a view
to provide a passage over an obstruction.
• The obstruction may be roadway, railway, river or
valley.
• The classification of bridges based on various
categories are briefly discussed in upcoming slides.
2

3. 3
07 Based on
Navigation Facility
04 Based on Interspan
relation
01 Based on Form of
Superstructure
09 Based on
Submergence
conditionel
06 Based on Movement
of Parts of Bridge
03 Based on Usage
08 Based on Position
of Bridge Floor
05 Based on Service
period
02
Based on
Construction
Materials Used
10 Based on Level of
Crossing
12 Based on Bridge
Alignment
11 Based on Bridge
Span
Types of Bridges

4. 4
TypesofBridges
Beam Bridge
Truss Bridge
Arch Bridge
Tied Arch Bridge
Suspension Bridge
Cable Stayed
Bridge
• Beam Bridge can be defined as a horizontal beam
which is supported at both the ends.
• This type of bridge may be simply supported or
continuous.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana
01 Based on Form of
Superstructure

5. 5
TypesofBridges
Beam Bridge
Truss Bridge
Arch Bridge
Tied Arch Bridge
Suspension Bridge
Cable Stayed
Bridge
• Truss is a structure of connected elements to form
triangular units.
• The bridge deck is supported by means of steel
trusses.
• This type of bridge is economical, efficient and is
most commonly used in railways.

6. 6
TypesofBridges
Beam Bridge
Truss Bridge
Arch Bridge
Tied Arch Bridge
Suspension Bridge
Cable Stayed
Bridge
• The arch is located below the deck slab.
• The load on the deck slab is transferred to the arch
which in turn is transferred to the abutments (i.e.,
end supports).
• The abutment provided at each end of the arch
prevents the bridge from spreading out.

7. 7
TypesofBridges
Beam Bridge
Truss Bridge
Arch Bridge
Tied Arch Bridge
Suspension Bridge
Cable Stayed
Bridge
• It is similar to arch bridge but arch is positioned
above the bridge deck.
• The deck slab is supported by means of cables
which are suspended from the arch.

8. 8
TypesofBridges
Beam Bridge
Truss Bridge
Arch Bridge
Tied Arch Bridge
Suspension Bridge
Cable Stayed
Bridge
• Deck slab is supported by means of cables which are
attached to the suspenders, running on either side
of the bridge and throughout the length of the
bridge.
• The suspenders must be firmly anchored into the
ground.

9. 9
TypesofBridges
Beam Bridge
Truss Bridge
Arch Bridge
Tied Arch Bridge
Suspension Bridge
Cable Stayed
Bridge
• It is similar to Suspension bridge but, the deck slab
is supported by the cables which are connected to
tall vertical towers called as pylons.
• The height of the pylon is much greater than that of
towers in suspension bridges

10. Masonry
Bridge
Prestressed
Concrete Bridge
RCC Bridge
Composite
Bridge
Wooden Bridge Steel Bridge
Types of
Bridges
10
02
Based on
Construction
Materials Used

11. 11
Examples
WOODENBRIDGEMASONRYBRIDGE
RCCBRIDGESTEELBRIDGE

12. 12
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
To enable humans to
walk over the obstacles.
PIPE BRIDGE
Used to support pipelines for
gas, oil, water,
communication cables, etc.,
RAILWAY BRIDGE
Used in railways
for the movement
of trains.
ROAD CUM
RAILWAY BRIDGE
Used for both railway and
road transport.
HIGHWAY BRIDGE
For the movement of road way
traffic over an obstruction like
rivers or canals.
AQUEDUCT
Structure used for
transporting water
Types of Bridges
03 Based on Usage

13. 13
Examples
PEDESTRIANBRIDGERAILWAYBRIDGE
HIGHWAYBRIDGEPIPEBRIDGE
AQUEDUCT

14. Types of Bridges
Continuous Bridge
Simply Supported
Bridge
Cantilever Bridge
Simply Supported Bridge
is similar to a simply
supported single span
beam which has supports
at its ends.
Bridge which is
continuous over more
than one span (i.e. bridge
spanning over more than
two supports).
It is similar to cantilever
beam which is fixed on one
end and the other end is
free.
14
04 Based on Interspan
relation

15. Examples
15

16. Bridges
Service
Period
Movement
of Parts
Temporary Permanent Fixed Movable
Bridges which
are constructed
for use over a
short period.
The bridges that are
constructed with a
view to be used for
longer duration.
The Bridge
which does not
contain any
movable parts.
The Bridge which
contains
movable parts.
16
05 Based on Service
Period
06 Based on Movement
of Parts of Bridge

17. Types of
Bridges
This bridge can lift
its deck upwards
which is balanced
by counterweights
Bascule Bridge
02
The bridge deck
moves up and
down
Lift Bridge
04
This bridge can
rotate horizontally
with respect to a
vertical support
Swing Bridge
01
This bridge moves
over wheels or
rollers and can be
moved towards or
away from the shore
Traverser Bridge
03
17
07 Based on
Navigation Facility

18. Examples
18

19. THROUGH BRIDGE
The Bridge is constructed such
that its floor is at the bottom of
its superstructure.
SEMI-THROUGH
BRIDGE
The Bridge is constructed such
that its floor is provided in the
intermediate level of its
superstructure.
DECK BRIDGE
The Bridge is constructed such
that its floor is provided at the
top of superstructure.
Types of
Bridges
19
08 Based on Position
of Bridge Floor

20. Examples
20

21. Non-Submersible
Bridge
Submersible Bridge
Types of
Bridges
The super structure of the bridge is well below
the High Flood Level and so the bridge deck will
be submerged in water during the period of
high floods.
The super structure of the bridge is above the
High Flood Level and so the bridge deck will never
be submerged in water even during the periods of
heavy rain.
1 2
21
09 Based on
Submergence
condition

22. Examples
22

23. Types of Bridges
Over Bridge Underpass
Bridge which is used to pass over another
route which can be either a roadway or a
railway track.
Tunnel which is used to pass under another
route.
23
10 Based on Level of
Crossing

24. Examples
24

25. CULVERT BRIDGE
Span of the bridge is
lesser than 6m.
MAJOR BRIDGE
Types of
Bridges
MINOR BRIDGE LONG SPAN BRIDGE
Span of the bridge is
between 60m and 120m.
Span of the bridge is
between 6m and 60m.
Span of the bridge is
greater than 120m.
25
11 Based on Bridge
Span

26. Skew BridgeStraight Bridge
Types of Bridges
The alignment of the
bridge is not
perpendicular to the
centre line of the
obstacle.
The alignment of the
bridge is perpendicular
to the centre line of the
obstacle (like roadway,
railway track or river).
26
12 Based on Bridge
Alignment

27. Examples
27

28. Thank You…
28
For brief explanation on Classification of Bridges:
https://www.civilunfold.com/types_of_bridges/