Why are most of the bridges simply supported?

When you are seeking to span across a relatively narrow gap all you need is a simply supported single span bridge. But, as the span increases, you need to change to something that is more efficient. read more

> Abbreviations SSB: simply supported beam BMD: Bending moment diagram SFD: Shear force diagram Next time when you are driving on a bridge, notice the bridge moving little. You can feel it swaying left and right. read more

If it were simply supported super structure an incomplete foundation will held up two spans at the most. If it were continuous spans many more spans will be held up if a single foundation could not be completed. The problem with simply supported spans are too many joints in the deck and an unpleasant drive. read more

When a bridge is made up of beams spanning between only two supports, it is called a simply supported beam bridge. If two or more beams are joined rigidly together over supports, the bridge becomes continuous. read more