TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila

CEC 002
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
CEC32S4

REPORT NO. 4
TYPES OF BRIDGES AND METHOD OF
CONSTRUCTION

MANGUILIN, KHRYZ JEFF A.

STUDENT GRADE

A bridge is a construction intended to cross over physical barriers like rivers, valleys,
highways, or railroads to allow traffic, automobiles, or trains to pass. It serves the
function of linking two sites that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to traverse
directly. A bridge is made up of a number of essential parts that cooperate to support
weights, offer stability, and permit safe passage over obstacles. Depending on the type
of bridge, the specific design and components will vary, but the main structural
components shared by the majority of bridges are as follows:

1. SUBSTRUCTURE

These are components of the bridge below the level of bearings. These parts function to
support the superstructure components and transfer the loads to the ground.

PIERS

In the space between two bridge spans, piers offer intermediary support. Bridge
piers distribute the weight to the foundation and serve as primary support for the
superstructure element of the bridge. A pier needs to be sturdy to support both
lateral and horizontal forces. Piers are referred to as the bridge's compression
members.

ABUTMENT

It is a structure mostly used as support systems at the bridge's ends. They

support the superstructure's vertical and horizontal loads and keep the bridge in
 place. A bridge with a single span has two abutments that offer vertical and
lateral support. It also plays the role of retaining walls to resist lateral movement
of the earthen fill of the bridge approach.

The abutment can also be defined by the structure supporting one side of
an arch or masonry used to resist the lateral forces.

WING WALLS

It is one of the bridge's earth-retaining elements. They serve as retaining walls

and are situated next to the abutments. Soil is held in place by the wing wall for
the abutment, approach embankment, and highway. The approach embankment
may be splayed at different angles or at a straight angle to the abutment.

2. SUPERSTRUCTURE

These are components of the bridge above the bearing. Most of the functions of a
bridge occur in this portion.

BEAMS AND GIRDERS

Both have a similar role to support the roadway and prevent bending. Another
kind of beam support that links to an external website is the girder. Girders are
used in place of beams to sustain large weights.

While girders are made up of I-shaped cross sections with two load-bearing
flanges and a web for stabilization, beams have a rectangular cross section.

BEARING

Between the pier top and the bridge girder, there is a bearing. The primary
purpose of the bearing is to minimize impact stress that reaches the bridge
foundation by permitting unrestricted movement or vibration of the upper
superstructure.

ARCH AND CABLES

Both cables and arches have a specific purpose. Cable is utilized for suspension,
cable-stayed bridges, etc., while arches are used to build arch bridges. Arches
and cables are essential for constructing many kinds of bridges.

PARAPET WALL AND HANDRAIL

 One of the safety features of any bridge is the parapet, which keeps cars from
slipping off where there is a drop. In addition, it serves as a sound barrier, limiting
views, and keeping trash from falling below.

FLOORING

It is a bridge's upper roadway surface used for car traffic. It is built of concrete or
a bituminous road.

3. ADJOINING STRUCTURES

GUARD STONES

They are typically placed to guard a specific object, like a street corner or the
side of a gate, but they can also be used as road railings or to confine traffic on a
certain lane.

APPROACHES

It is built and arranged at the beginning or end of any bridge. Its primary purpose
is to make entering and leaving the bridge simple and uncomplicated.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
ARCH BRIDGE

An arch bridge is a form of bridge that utilizes a curving arch structure as its
major load-bearing element. It is among the earliest types of bridge
building, dating back thousands of years to the time of ancient civilizations
like the Romans, who are renowned for having built arch bridges made of
stone that are still standing today. An arch bridge's main idea is the
effective distribution of stress and weight made possible by its curved
design, which enables it to support heavy loads and span great distances
without collapsing. For both practical and aesthetic reasons, the arch
bridge is a desirable option due to its distinctive strength and classic
elegance.

The mechanics of an arch bridge are based on the principle of

compression. When a load is applied, the curved shape redirects the
downward forces into compressive forces that flow along the arch toward
the abutments. This prevents bending and ensures stability. The abutments
counteract the outward push of these forces, maintaining the bridge's
structural integrity and evenly distributing the load, allowing it to support
heavy weights efficiently.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
BEAM BRIDGE

One of the most basic and widely used kinds of bridge designs is the beam
bridge. It comprises of horizontal beams supported by vertical piers or
columns, which carry the weight of the structure and its loads to the
ground. The beam bridge design, also known as a girder bridge, has been
in use for centuries because of its simple construction and efficiency for
short to medium spans. This kind of bridge is frequently used for pedestrian
crossings, overpasses, and highways because it offers a dependable and
affordable means of bridging narrow openings like valleys, rivers, or other
roads.

Bending is the main structural factor at play. The movement of a load

across the deck, such as a car, person, or train, produces vertical
pressures that press against the beam. The bending of the beam as a
result of these forces produces tension and compression internal stresses.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
CANTILEVER BRIDGE

A cantilever bridge is a type of bridge supported by horizontal beams,

known as cantilevers, extending from piers, eliminating the need for central
supports. Typically, two cantilevers extend from opposite sides and meet in
the middle, sometimes connected by a small suspended span. This design
is ideal for large spans, such as wide rivers or valleys, and is often
constructed using steel or reinforced concrete to withstand high bending
forces. Cantilever bridges work by balancing forces, with the upper parts of
the cantilevers experiencing compression and the lower parts in tension,
anchored firmly to piers that transfer the load to the foundation, ensuring
stability and strength for heavy traffic and adverse conditions.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
SUSPENSION BRIDGE

A suspension bridge is characterized by its use of cables suspended

between tall towers to support the bridge deck, enabling it to span vast
distances. This elegant design is ideal for crossing large bodies of water
and wide valleys, featuring a series of tensioned cables anchored at both
ends. Vertical hangers connect the main cables to the deck, allowing the
bridge to carry heavy loads while remaining lightweight. The working
principle of a suspension bridge involves the balance of tension and
compression: when loads cross the bridge, weight is transferred to the
hangers and main cables, which experience tension, while the towers,
which support the cables, undergo compression, directing the weight to the
foundation. This efficient distribution of forces allows suspension bridges to
maintain stability, span long distances, and remain resilient against high
winds and heavy traffic.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
CABLE – STAYED BRIDGE

A special kind of bridge known as a cable-stayed bridge is supported by a

network of cables that jut out from one or more towers and hold up the
bridge deck. This design creates a structure that is both aesthetically
beautiful and structurally effective by combining aspects of cantilever
bridges and suspension bridges. Because the cables connect directly to the
deck, they can be arranged in a fan-like arrangement or in a parallel
configuration, enabling the transmission of loads from the deck to the
towers. Medium-to long-span bridges are best suited for cable-stayed
bridges, which are composed of materials that combine strength and
flexibility, such as reinforced concrete or steel.

A cable-stayed bridge's operation is based on the balance of forces,

particularly tension and compression. Weight is transferred to the cables
through the deck as loads, such cars or pedestrians, move across it.
Tensioned cables bear the weight upward to the towers, from where the
strain is channeled downward into the foundation. As the towers support
the weight of the bridge and its loads, they undergo compression. Modern
infrastructure projects frequently use cable-stayed bridges because of its
effective force distribution, which maintains structural integrity over long
distances with little support. They are appropriate for pedestrian walkways,
railroads, and highways due to their strength, adaptability, and aesthetic
appeal.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
TIED – ARCH BRIDGE (BOWSTRING)

A tied arch bridge is a particular kind of bridge with a distinctive arch

structure that is secured in place by a horizontal tie at the base of the arch.
By combining aspects of beam and arch designs, this bridge is able to
transfer loads efficiently while preserving structural integrity. The arch itself
rises above the bridge deck and is usually made of steel or reinforced
concrete. The tie, which is positioned horizontally between the ends of the
arch, stabilizes the structure by reducing the outward push that the arch
produces when it is loaded. Since there are open areas underneath the
bridge due to this design, tied arch bridges are appropriate for places
where clearance or unhindered views are required, including over rivers or
roadways.

The weight of anything moving across the bridge deck, such cars or
pedestrians, produces a downward force that the arch compresses to
resist. The tie, which feels tension as it binds the ends of the arch together,
receives this load from the arch via the structure. This tension keeps the
arch from spreading apart by balancing the pressures acting from the
outside. The linked arch bridge is a popular option for both iconic and
practical constructions in contemporary engineering because of its ability to
manage large weights and lengthy spans while retaining aesthetic appeal.
It can be a remarkable addition to a variety of urban and landscape settings
because of its strength and grace combined.

TYPES OF BRIDGES
TRUSS BRIDGE

A **truss bridge** is a bridge type distinguished by its triangular framework,

known as a truss, which supports the bridge deck. This truss consists of
interconnected triangles formed by straight members, which can be
constructed from materials like steel, wood, or reinforced concrete. Such a
design effectively distributes loads, enhances the structure's strength, and
minimizes material usage. Truss bridges are frequently employed to span
short to medium distances and are widely used in both roadway and
railway settings due to their durability and efficiency.

The operation of a truss bridge is based on the principles of tension and

compression. When loads, such as vehicles or pedestrians, move across
the bridge, their weight generates forces that travel through the truss
members. The triangular configuration allows these forces to be evenly
spread throughout the truss, with some members undergoing compression
as they press against one another, while others experience tension as they
pull apart. This efficient distribution of loads reduces the likelihood of
structural failure and improves stability. Additionally, the design enables
longer spans without requiring excessive support, making truss bridges a
practical and economical option for various engineering projects. Their
adaptability and capacity to handle heavy loads have established them as a
fundamental choice in bridge construction for over a century.

METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE

The construction of a bridge can be carried out using various methods,
each designed to meet the specific requirements of the project, including its
design, location, and materials. Below are some of the main methods used
in bridge construction:

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

This approach involves building the bridge sequentially, beginning with the
foundation and progressing upward. It generally includes excavating for
footings, constructing piers and abutments, and erecting the superstructure
using cranes. This method is straightforward and offers flexibility in
construction techniques. While straightforward, It can be time-intensive and
may necessitate extensive traffic management, particularly for bridges
spanning busy roads or waterways.

INCREMENTAL LAUNCHING

Ideal for long-span bridges, this method entails fabricating sections of the
superstructure off-site and then pushing them into place. The sections are
supported temporarily, with supports being removed as the bridge is
advanced. This technique minimizes environmental disruption and reduces
the need for scaffolding. It requires meticulous planning and coordination to
maintain structural integrity during the launch process.
SEGMENTAL CONSTRUCTION

This method employs precast concrete segments, which are produced in a

controlled environment and then transported to the construction site. The
segments are connected using post-tensioning or grouting techniques to
form a continuous structure. It enhances quality control, shortens
construction time, and improves safety. Proper coordination between the
fabrication and construction phases is essential to ensure a good fit.

CANTILEVERING

This technique involves constructing bridge sections from both ends,

extending outward until they converge in the middle. Each cantilevered
section supports the subsequent one, relying on balance and stability. It is
effective for spanning obstacles like rivers or deep valleys with minimal
temporary supports. Precise engineering calculations are needed to
guarantee safety and load-bearing capacity.

ARCH CONSTRUCTION

This method is used for arch bridges and involves erecting arches that
support the bridge deck. The arch is constructed first, followed by the
addition of the deck. It offers strong structural integrity and visual appeal.
This method requires extensive planning and expertise in arch design.
SUSPENSION AND CABLE – STAYED CONSTRUCTION

In suspension or cable-stayed bridges, towers are built first to hold the

cables, which then support the deck. Cables are anchored to the towers,
and the deck is suspended from these cables. This design allows for long
spans with minimal supports and creates an iconic look. It involves complex
engineering and can experience significant sway under heavy loads.