Learn
Learn Bridge Engineering: Topics, Book, Methods and Case Studies
Everything on the site that teaches rather than calculates, in one place: short topic explainers, the chapters of The Bridge Book, how bridges get built, and what failures and megaprojects teach.
Each topic page links on to the calculators that use it, so you can read about a detail and then size it.
Bridge topics
Short, focused explainers on the questions engineers search for most.
Bridge typesExtradosed bridgesLow towers, stiff deck, stays that work like external tendons: what they are and when to choose one.Bridge typesSelf-anchored suspension bridgesThe main cable anchored into the deck instead of the ground, and why that changes how it is built.SubstructureIntegral vs semi-integral abutmentsJointless bridges compared: bearings, piles, thermal movement, approach slabs and length limits.SubstructureHammerhead pier capsGeometry, strut-and-tie design, prestressing and the cracks to watch for.ConstructionSpud bargesHow a barge holds position on spuds, its water-depth limits and where it beats a jack-up or a trestle.
The Bridge Book
From first principles to inspection, one chapter at a time. Free to read online.
Chapter 01What is a bridge?Parts of a bridge, the load path, and the forces every bridge has to carry.Chapter 02History of bridgesFrom stepping stones and Roman arches to the cable age, with the lesson each era left behind.Chapter 03Types of bridgesBeam, box girder, truss, arch, cable-stayed, suspension and movable bridges, and where each one fits.Chapter 04Loads and design basisDead load, HL-93 live load, wind, seismic and the limit states that combine them.Chapter 05Bridge materialsConcrete, reinforcement, strand, structural steel and the durability that decides service life.Chapter 06Superstructure designDeck slabs, prestressed and steel girders, box girders and cables.Chapter 07Substructure and foundationsAbutments, piers, footings, piles, scour and seismic detailing.Chapter 08Construction methodsFalsework, precast girders, balanced cantilever, launching, MSS and segmental erection.Chapter 09Bearings and expansion jointsBearings, joints, drainage, barriers and the other parts that wear out first.Chapter 10Inspection and load ratingCondition ratings, load rating and keeping an old bridge in service.Chapter 11Famous bridges and recordsLongest spans by type, and landmark bridges of Korea and the Gulf.Chapter 12Glossary and referencesBridge engineering terms, standards and where the numbers come from.Chapter 13Bridge engineering FAQShort answers on how bridges are designed, built, inspected and paid for.
How bridges get built
AnimationConstruction sequenceErection methods animated step by step: falsework, launching, balanced cantilever and more.CatalogueConstruction methodsEvery bridge construction method with its own page, from piling and caissons to cable erection.ToolMethod selectorWhich erection method fits your span, length, height and site.GameBridge MasterPick a superstructure, foundations, access and method for a random site, and see if it holds.
Learn from the field
Case studiesBridge failuresA forensic library of collapses and the design rules each one produced.WatchBridge documentariesThe long-form films worth an engineer's evening.TrackMega projectsThe record bridges being designed and built now, with their status.PracticeFE Civil practiceA verified question bank across the FE Civil knowledge areas.
Updated 2026-10-25 · written by a practising bridge engineer