Bridge Types
Beam Bridge
| The beam is one of the simplest forms of bridge. In its basic form, it could be just a plank or a log crossing a stream. |
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| Simple stone and plank footbridge | || | Beam Bridge with wooden frame and deck |
The beam has to be able to resist the bending which will happen with the biggest load that the designer wants it to take. There are simple examples of stone beam bridges which have survived for a long time. Large modern examples use carefully designed beams to support the bridge deck (the part that we cross over.) |
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| Beam bridge at Canary Wharf, Docklands | || | Underside of Canary Wharf beam bridge |
Beam bridges usually cover relatively short distances. As they are lengthened, they need more supporting piers (pillars). This makes them unsuitable if there needs to be a lot of space underneath them. View of the beam bridge supporting pillars. |
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| East India Beam footbridge | || | |
Beam bridge over the road at East India station, Docklands. |
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