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- Stone is another excellent natural resource that can be used to construct large bridges as it is a very heavy and strong material that it can support large loads.
- The Point du Gard aqueduct in France uses stones that is 48.8m high and 275m long that has been stable for two thousand years.
Concrete Bridges
- Concrete bridges bridges are strong in compression and weak in tension which is why concrete bridges usually consist of vertical and horizontal beams.
- Concrete with steel bars (rebar) is usually used in these horizontal beams as the steel will carry all the tension. This also protects the steel from corrosion and fire.
Steel Bridges
- Steel bridges are very strong and light bridges as steel has a high strength to weight ratio. As well, steel is very economical, safe, flexible, easily constructed, and has low maintenance.
- Steel is also the most recycled construction material and by using this in bridges, engineers ae contributing to sustainability management of natural resources.
- Furthermore, steel is the most versatile and effective material for bridge construction as it is able to carry loads in tension, compression, and shear.
