Structural Components Of Steel Bridges

Beams – They are steel sections or fabrications that runs continuous from pier to pier to span the gap and support the weight of the bridge. Steel beams are the main structural components of the bridge. They come in different shapes, including I-beams or H-beams, box girders, and trusses.

Columns - They provide vertical support for the bridge and anchorage to the foundation. Being in critical location and conditions, steel bridge columns especially water-borne, are normally reinforced concrete or combination of steel and reinforced concrete. Foundation construction including columns located in bodies of water requires the use of temporary or permanent steel casement to facilitate concrete casting. In some cases, steel columns are jacketed with concrete to provide protection to the steel against corrosion.

Girders – Steel girders can be plate girders or box girders and known as large beams. These steel components provide lateral support for the bridge. Girders has high load bearing capability and are designed to carry large amounts of dynamic and moving loads.

Deck - The deck of the bridge is the roadway or walkway surface that vehicles or pedestrians uses to pass. It is usually made of reinforced concrete or steel. Modern deck designs called as composite deck slabs involve galvanized sheet profiles as a reinforcement against positive moment and formwork for concrete placing at the same time. These galvanized sheet profiles are connected to beams or girders by fasteners or welding. The deck is supported by a series of girders that run parallel to the beams.

Joints – Different structural components are joined together to perform as a single steel bridge. Joints are designed to be rigid or flexible and are achieved by welding or bolting.