simply supported beam bridge

A simply supported beam bridge is a basic and ancient bridge design where a horizontal beam spans between two supports. This type of bridge carries vertical loads by bending. The top of the beam experiences compression, while the bottom is under tension. The supports transfer these loads vertically to the foundations.12

Beam bridges are the most common form, with early examples using simple wooden beams. Modern versions utilize steel or reinforced concrete and are frequently seen in highway overpasses and railways. Prestressed concrete is a particularly effective material for beam bridges because it can resist compression, while embedded steel handles tension.2

Due to the inherent bending in beam bridges, both simply supported and continuous types are generally limited to relatively short spans, typically not exceeding 76 meters (250 feet) between supports to maintain stability.2