The Donghai Bridge is an example of which bridge type?

• A. Arch Bridge
• B. Beam / Girder Bridge
• C. Suspension Bridge
• D. Truss Bridge

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that this bridge carries its deck on straight girders spanning between piers, with the primary structural action in bending of those girders rather than arch action, cables, or a truss network. The Donghai Bridge uses long, continuous prestressed concrete box girders forming the spans, which is characteristic of a beam (girder) bridge. In this type, loads flow into the piers through the girders, and the deck is essentially a system of girders supporting the traffic.

Arch bridges rely on a curved arch transferring loads primarily into abutments; suspension bridges use main cables and hangers with towers; and truss bridges distribute loads through a lattice of interconnected members forming a truss. Since none of those configurations describe the Donghai Bridge, it fits the beam/girder category.