Beam bridges: are the simplest structural

forms for bridge spans supported by an

abutment or pier at each end of the
bridge.

South Padre Island Bridge

Arch Bridge: is a bridge with abutments at

each end shaped as a curved arch.

Jade Belt Bridge, Summer Palace, Beijing

Truss bridge: is a bridge whose loadbearing superstructure is composed of a

truss, a structure of connected elements
forming triangular units.

The Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge

Suspension bridge: is a bridge in which

the weight of the deck is supported by
vertical cables that are supported by
larger cables that run between towers
and are anchored in abutments at each
end.

GoldenGateBridge

Cantilever Bridge: a bridge in which each

span is constructed from cantilevers built
out sideways from piers.

Cantilever bridge

Cable-stayed Bridge: a bridge in which

the weight of the deck is supported by a
number of cables running directly to one
or more towers.

New Sunshine Skyway Cable Stayed Bridge, Tampa Bay, Florida