Comparison Between Two Beam Bridges
Figure 1 shows a two-lane road beam bridge.
![Beam bridge over a river.](comparisons/comparison-3/1-beam-bridge.jpg)
The beams are made of prestressed concrete; the span s ≅ 20 m, the height h ≅ 0.7 m, and the width (per beam) ≅ 1 m. The beams are placed side-by-side and supported by two column bents. Figure 2 shows a single-lane road beam bridge with steel trusses.
![Beam bridge with trusses over a river.](comparisons/comparison-3/2-beam-bridge.jpg)
The beam type and geometry are equal to beam bridge 1, and the support consists of wall piers. Figure 3 shows a bridge entrance.
![Entrance of a beam bridge with trusses.](comparisons/comparison-3/3-beam-bridge.jpg)
The truss is connected to the walkways; the height h1 ≅ 3 m, and the members are made of built-up sections. Figure 4 shows a connection between two members and the walkway.
![Connection between truss and walkway.](comparisons/comparison-3/4-truss-walkway-connection.jpg)
The connection consists of a base plate and six anchor bolts. Figure 5 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a span of beam bridges 1 and 2.
![Three-dimensional drawing of a span of two beam bridges.](comparisons/comparison-3/5-3d-view.jpg)