What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of bridge railing

Beam bridges are the oldest and simplest type of bridge. They consist of horizontal beams that are supported by piers at each end. Beam bridges are commonly used for short to medium spans, usually up to 250 feet. They have some advantages and disadvantages over other types of bridges. In the following section, all the pros and cons of beam bridges are described.

Advantages of Beam Bridges

There are several advantages to beam bridges:

1. Easy to construct: Beam bridges are relatively easy to build. They can be constructed quickly and with less effort than other types of bridges.
2. Cost-effective: Beam bridges are generally less costly than other bridge types, making them an attractive option for small to medium spans.
3. Maintenance: The roadway of a beam bridge can be easily maintained and repaired due to its simple design.
4. Adaptability: The design of a beam bridge can be adapted to support multiple lanes of traffic, sidewalks, and railings.
5. Material options: A beam bridge can be constructed using a variety of materials, such as wood, concrete, and steel.
6. Thermal expansion: Beam bridges can easily withstand the effects of thermal expansion and movements of the ground.
7. Easy to relocate: A beam could be engineered removed from the ultimate position and raised fleetly into place with the least disruption of traffic or navigation.
8. Flexibility: Beam bridges are flexible and can adapt to changes in the environment, such as temperature fluctuations and seismic activity.
9. Environmental impact: Beam bridges have a lower environmental impact than other types of bridges because they use fewer materials and can be built with sustainable materials.
10. Accessibility: Beam bridges are accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, as they can include sidewalks and bike lanes.
11. Wide range of applications: Beam bridges can be used in a variety of applications, including rural roads, urban areas, and industrial sites.
12. Short construction time: Beam bridges can be constructed quickly, which reduces disruption to traffic and surrounding areas.

Disadvantages of Beam Bridges

There are several disadvantages of beam bridges:

1. Span limitations: Beam bridges have a limited span and do not allow large boats or vehicles to pass underneath.
2. Heavy boat traffic: Mostly heavy boat traffic or large ships cannot pass underneath a beam bridge.
3. Not suitable for long spans: Beam bridges are not suitable for very long spans and can only be used for short to medium spans.
4. Weight limitations: Beam bridges are not suitable for very heavy loads and may not be able to support the weight of heavy vehicles.
5. Speed limitations: Beam bridges are not suitable for high-speed traffic and may have lower speed limits than other types of bridges.
6. Height limitations: Beam bridges are not suitable for very tall vehicles, and the height of the bridge may limit the types of vehicles that can cross.
7. Width limitations: Beam bridges are not suitable for very wide vehicles, and the width of the bridge may limit the types of vehicles that can cross.
8. Maintenance costs: Maintenance of beam bridges can be expensive due to the need for regular inspections and repairs.
9. Design limitations: Beam bridges have design limitations, which can make them unsuitable for certain applications, such as long-span bridges and high-load bridges.
10. Weight distribution: Beam bridges require careful weight distribution, which can be a challenge in certain situations, such as high wind or seismic activity.
11. Structural limitations: Beam bridges have structural limitations, which can make them less suitable for locations with high levels of traffic or heavy loads.
12. Weather impact: Beam bridges can be impacted by weather conditions, such as ice, snow, and high winds, which can cause damage and require repairs.
13. Not suitable for marine environments: Beam bridges may not be suitable for marine environments, as they can be impacted by saltwater corrosion and other environmental factors.

Pedestrian bridges are so much more than a crossing structure or accessing a previously inaccessible location. Bridges offer us a way to connect to communities, other people, and nature. With those benefits in mind, pricing and structural commitments need to be made once you begin a bridge project.

This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of pedestrian bridges while exploring bridge design options to help determine if a pedestrian bridge is right for you. 

6 Advantages of Pedestrian Bridges

Bridges can bring people together, connect different communities, add an artistic element to the outdoors, and help explore nature more quickly.

Here is a list of the advantages a pedestrian bridge offers. 

1. Allow access to stunning views.  
2. Enhance nature’s beauty.
3. Ensure safer crossings over high traffic roadways, railroads, etc., in urban/peri-urban areas. 
4. Increase accessibility to anyone who is disabled.
5. Offer year-round access to frequently flooded areas or ephemeral (seasonal) streams.
6. Provide access to previously inaccessible lands for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, etc.

3 Disadvantages of Pedestrian Bridges 

When considering a pedestrian bridge, you will need to determine your budget and the structural design. 

Here is a list of the disadvantages of a pedestrian bridge. 

1. Difficult or costly to implement in remote areas.
2. Increase cost in urban areas if the bridge requires long ramps for accessibility.
3. Limited access for bridge maintenance and can prevent larger vehicles from crossing the bridge (if it wasn’t included in the bridge’s design). 

Details to Consider for a Bridge 

To determine if a pedestrian bridge is a suitable choice for you, consider the following bridge factors.

• Dimensions and strength 
• Environmental concerns 
• Lifespan vs. cost 

Bridge Lifespan Vs. Cost 

There is a trade-off between the upfront bridge cost and the life-space of the bridge. You will have to choose from a higher upfront bridge cost with less maintenance and longer life or a lower upfront cost, but the bridge will need ongoing maintenance and you will replace it sooner. 

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridge 

FRP is a lightweight material that can provide easy access to remote areas. It may have a higher upfront cost but is durable, requires minimal maintenance, and will have a 100+ year lifespan. Learn more about FRP bridges here.

Steel Bridge 

Steel bridges also have a long lifespan; however they are extremely heavy. Steel bridges are difficult to build or assemble on an interior trail system which leads to much higher installation costs. 

Wood Bridge 

A bridge constructed of wood might be your least expensive option. However, wooden bridges need frequent maintenance and the bridge lifespan may only be about 30  years.

Bridge Environmental Factors 

Understanding the bridge’s natural landscape will help determine the final cost and difficulty involved in installing a bridge. Landscape factors to consider are:

• Will the bridge need to cross over a body of water?
• Will the bridge need to cross over a highway?
• Will you need a geotechnical analysis?
• Will you need to conduct a flood study?
• Will you be able to transfer the bridge parts and tools without much difficulty? 

Bridge Dimensions and Needs  

You will need to determine the needs and purpose of the bridge. Those factors will help to determine the total size and how much support the bridge will need. As a reminder, all Areté bridges are always designed using the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) Method with a minimum safety factor of 3. 

Here are a few questions to help you determine your bridge needs.

• What height, length, and width does the bridge need to be? 
• Will the bridge only accommodate foot traffic?
• Will the bridge need to support bikes, golf carts, or motorized vehicles? 
• Will the bridge rail heights need to be adjusted to maintain nature views? 
• What is the total weight the bridge needs to hold?

Overall Advantages and Disadvantages of Pedestrian Bridges 

Pedestrian bridges provide opportunities to connect people, communities, and nature. Understanding your bridge’s purpose will help to determine the price and structural commitments needed. Thoroughly review and research all bridge options to ultimately determine if a pedestrian bridge is right for you. 

Contact Us if You’re Ready for a Quote 

When you’re ready for a bridge quote, reach out to the Areté Structures team. We will work with you during the planning and design process. Contact the Areté team here.