1. Concrete: reinforced or prestressed concrete is commonly used in bridge construction due to its durability and strength.
2. Steel: steel is a popular material used for bridge construction due to its strength, rigidity, and flexibility. It's often used in trusses, girders, and suspension cables.
3. Timber: timber is a natural material that's used in bridge construction for its aesthetic qualities, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. It's commonly used for pedestrian bridges, footbridges, and low-traffic bridges.
4. Composite materials: composite materials like fiberglass, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP), and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) are increasingly being used in bridge construction due to their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and high strength.
5. Masonry: masonry materials like brick, stone, and concrete blocks are sometimes used in bridge construction for aesthetic reasons but need to be reinforced with steel or concrete to provide the necessary strength and durability.
6. Pre-Cast: pre-cast concrete panels and beams are used in bridge construction for their faster construction time and lower costs.
7. Aluminum: aluminum bridge designs are lightweight and offer high durability with low maintenance. However, they come with a higher price tag.
Publication date: