Which bridge type uses vertical piers to support a horizontal deck spanning between supports?

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

Answer: (B)

This arrangement is characteristic of a beam or girder bridge. Here the deck is a horizontal member that spans between vertical supports (piers). The primary load path goes from the deck into the girders (the vertical and horizontal members that carry bending), then down through the piers to the foundations. The deck essentially behaves like a long horizontal beam whose ends sit on supports.

In contrast, arch bridges transfer loads through an arch shape to supports, suspension bridges carry the deck by hangers from main cables supported by towers, and truss bridges carry loads through a triangulated framework rather than a simple deck supported directly by vertical piers.