Bridge Terminology

Front

Beam

Back

A horizontal support that spans between piers or abutments. Beams carry loads and transfer them to the supports.

Front

Arch

Back

A curved structure that transfers loads primarily through compression; often used in bridge design.

Front

Truss

Back

A framework of connected elements (usually in triangular units) that distributes forces primarily through tension and compression.

Front

Suspension Bridge

Back

A type of bridge in which the deck (road surface) is hung below suspension cables by vertical suspenders.

Front

Span

Back

The distance between two supports (e.g. between piers or abutments).

Front

Deck

Back

The part of the bridge that carries the traffic; the surface on which vehicles or people travel.

Front

Abutment

Back

The end supports of a bridge that carry the load from the span and transfer it to the ground.

Front

Pier

Back

A vertical support located between abutments that helps hold up the spans of a bridge.

Front

Superstructure

Back

The part of a bridge above the deck; includes beams, trusses, arches, etc.

Front

Substructure

Back

The part of the bridge below the deck, including piers, abutments, foundations.