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Which bridge type uses horizontal beams carried by vertical supports?

A beam bridge carries the deck on beams spanning between supports.

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  1. Beam bridge ✔
  2. Arch bridge
  3. Suspension bridge

Why: Loads bend the beams, placing different regions in compression and tension. Piers or abutments provide vertical reactions at the ends of each span.

Huh, didn't know that: Adding intermediate piers shortens each span and can reduce beam bending demands.

The dad joke
The beam bridge was supportive across the whole span.
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References

Answer: Beam bridge. Loads bend the beams, placing different regions in compression and tension. Piers or abutments provide vertical reactions at the ends of each span.

  1. Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute: Geometry of Bridges teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/2001/5/01.05.09/5
    Beam Bridge-A simple type of bridge composed of horizontal beams supported by vertical supports.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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