Bridge

A bridge is a structure which enables people to cross something like water, a railway, road or a valley. A bridge will usually be designed by an engineer to be strong enough to let something cross and stable enough that it will stay in place for a long time.

Some bridges have special features, for example Tower Bridge in London has a road section which lifts to allow taller boats to pass through.

All bridges need to stable, freestanding and strong. A bridge made out of bricks will use a technique called brick bonding.

Types of bridges

• Arch bridge
• Aqueduct (a bridge to transport water and boats)
• Beam bridge
• Cable-Stayed bridge
• Footbridge
• Railway bridge
• Rope bridge
• Suspension bridge
• Truss Bridge
• Vehicle bridge
• Viaduct

Bridges

• Bridge of Sighs
• Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Millau Viaduct
• Øresund Bridge
• Stirling Old Bridge
• Tower Bridge

Common parts of a bridge

• buttress
• pillars or towers
• deck
• foundations