What is a beam bridge?

A beam bridge is a structure that spans an open space using one or more beams to support the weight of the bridge deck and the loads acting upon it. The beams typically run parallel to the roadway or walkway carried by the bridge, although they may also be skewed or curved. Beam bridges are often used for shorter spans, as they are relatively simple and inexpensive to build compared to other types of bridges.

Beam bridges are typically made of steel or concrete, although other materials such as wood or composite materials can also be used. The beams are typically supported at each end by piers or abutments, and they may also be supported by intermediate columns or trusses. The deck of the bridge is then attached to the beams, and it may be made of concrete, steel, or wood.

Beam bridges are often used for highway bridges, as they can be easily widened to accommodate additional traffic lanes. They are also commonly used for pedestrian bridges, bicycle bridges, and railway bridges.