Parts of a bridge.

Parts of a bridge

There are different types of bridges depending on the specific physical and design scope requirements in this article, we will discuss components and parts of bridge.

Components of bridge.

The various parts and components of a bridge are as follows;

1. Deck
2.Superstructure
3.Substructure
4.Foundation
5.Girder or beam
6.Pier
7.Pier cap
8.Bridge tower
9.Bearins
10.Piles
11.Pile caps
12.Bridge anchor

13.Suspension cable.

Let us learn about each component in details below.

1.Deck

Deck is the portion which carries the traffic.

2. Superstructure.

The portion which supports the deck slab and girder and connects one substructure to the other. That means all the elements of the bridge attached to a supporting system can be categorized as superstructure.

3.Sub-structure

The part of the bridge which supports the superstructure and transmits all the structural loads of the bridge to the foundations. For example piers, abutments etc.

4.Foundation.

Foundation is the portion which transmits loads to the bearing strata. Foundation is required to support the piers, bridge towers, portal frames. Generally piles and well foundations such as H-pile, bore pile, pipe pile or  precast concrete piles are adopted.

5.Girder or Beam

Beam or girder is the part of superstructure which bends along the span. The deck is supported by beams.

6. Bridge Tower.

It is the vertical supporting part used for cable stayed or suspension bridge. High strength concrete and insitu method are adopted to construct the bridge tower.

7.Pier.

Pier is the part of the substructure that supports the superstructure and transfers loads of superstructure to the foundations. Pier is suitable for spanned bridges with maximum width of deck up to 8m (2 traffic lanes)

The shape and size of pier mainly depends on aesthetic,, site, space and economic constrains of construction. Usually, bridge pier is constructed by insitu method with large panel formwork

8.Pier cap

It is the topmost part of the pier which transfers loads from the superstructure to the pier. IIt also known as headstock. It provides sufficient seating for the girders and distributes the loads from the bearings to the piers.

9. Bearings

Bearing is a device which supports the parts of superstructure and transfers loads and movements from the deck to the substructure and foundation.

The main purpose of providing a bearing is to permit controlled movement and decrease the stress involved.

10.Pile and pile cap.

Pile is a slender member driven into the surrounding soil to resist the loads. Pile cap is a thick reinforced concrete slab cast on top of the group piles to distribute loads.

11.Bride anchor.

It's only used in suspension and cable-stayed bridges to resist the pull from suspension cable or counter pan of the bridge.

12. Suspension cable.

It is used in suspension and cable-stayed bridges for the hanging, supporting and counter balancing of the bridge deck.