Beam bridges are the oldest and simplest type of bridge. It has some advantages and disadvantages over other types of bridges. In the following section, all the pros and cons of beam bridges are described.
Advantages of Beam Bridges
There are situations when the beam bridge has more advantages than other types of bridges. Followings are the major advantages of beam bridges:
- A beam rests simply on the supports.
- The effects of thermal expansion and movements of the ground are easily sustained.
- A beam could also be engineered removed from the ultimate position and raised fleetly into place with least disruption of traffic or navigation.
- Beam bridges are easy to construct.
- In comparison to other bridge types, beam bridges are less costly.
- Mostly used widely in urban and rural zones.
Disadvantages of Beam Bridges
Followings are the disadvantages of the beam bridges:
- Beam Bridge contains forces, which are much larger than the load, and it needs to be relatively massive.
- Beam Bridges have a limited span and do not allow large boats or vehicles to pass underneath.
- Mostly heavy boat traffic or large ships cannot pass underneath.
- People may not find the design of beam bridges spectacular.