Arch bridge

An arch bridge carries loads primarily through compression in one or more curved arches, which transfer forces toward their supports and foundations.

Arch: A curved structural form that spans an opening and carries loads mainly through compression. The bridge’s defining structural form turns downward loads into forces directed toward its ends.
Springing: The point or region where an arch begins to curve upward from its support. It marks where the arch’s force path starts transferring into an abutment or pier.
Roman bridge: A bridge built in ancient Rome or its territories, often using stone arches and concrete. Roman builders made durable multi-span arch bridges across roads and waterways.
Masonry arch bridge: An arch bridge built chiefly from stone or brick units that carry loads in compression. It is the classic form, relying on masonry strength and stable supports.
Beam bridge: A bridge in which a beam or girder spans between supports and carries loads mainly through bending. A beam bridge relies on bending rather than the arch’s compression and horizontal thrust.
Line of thrust: The path through a structure along which the resultant compressive force acts. An arch remains stable when its thrust line stays within the masonry or other structural material.
Crown: The highest part of an arch or vault. Loads near the crown pass through the curved structure toward both sides.
Pont du Gard: A Roman aqueduct bridge in southern France, built in the first century CE. Its stacked stone arches show how Roman builders used arches to carry infrastructure across valleys.
Steel arch bridge: An arch bridge whose principal arch members are made of structural steel. Steel enables slender arches and longer spans than traditional masonry construction.
Suspension bridge: A bridge whose deck hangs from main cables draped over towers and anchored at both ends. Suspension bridges use cables in tension to achieve spans beyond most arch bridges.

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