From Roman arches to Golden Gate suspension cables—learn why different bridges solve different problems and what engineers sacrifice for each design
Part of Build A Bridge That Holds 100 Coins
Educational content slides
Humans have been building bridges for thousands of years. We've converged on four main types:
Beam: Simple plank across two supports
Arch: Curved structure pushing forces into the ground
Truss: Triangulated framework distributing load
Suspension: Cables hanging from towers, deck hangs from cables
Each type solves the "bridge problem" in a fundamentally different way. None is universally best—each excels in specific situations.
Test your understanding with this quiz.
You need to build a bridge across a 30-meter-wide creek with a limited budget. Which bridge type makes the most sense?
Complete this exercise and get AI-powered feedback.
Every bridge is a series of engineering trade-offs. Understanding why specific choices were made teaches you how to make better decisions.
Consider: Span requirements, terrain constraints, budget, materials available, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance.