| AWM Table: | Bridges, Bridge Span |
| Attribute: | Superstructure Long Section |
| Purpose: | To provide superstructure categorisation that differentiates the span and support provided by the longitudinal section of the bridge, as opposed to the cross section. |
| Value | Description | Photo Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arch, Deck | Abutments at each end shaped as a curved arch. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either side, and partially into a vertical load on the arch supports. |  |
| Arch, Earth Filled | Earth filled arches support the roadway on earth fill that is contained between the spandrel walls. |  |
| Arch, Through | Bridge in which the base of an arch structure is below the deck but the top rises above it. |  |
| Continuous Span | A superstructure which extends as one piece over multiple supports. |  |
| Hinged Span | A hinged bridge span is a bridge with a hinge that allows the bridge to move or be lifted. |  |
| Integral Span | An integral bridge is a structure where there are no expansion joints in the superstructure between spans and between spans and abutments. |  |
| Partially Continuous | A bridge where some spans are joined to share loads, but not all – allowing some movement while still improving strength across sections. |  |
| Portal Frame | The portal frame bridge system comprises of a precast portal frame which interlinks on precast structural base sections. A joint is created between the frame and the base units. |  |
| Rigid Frame Fixed End | A bridge where the superstructure and supports are built as one stiff unit, with no movement at the ends – making it very strong but less flexible. |  |
| Semi-Integral (Link Slab Over Pier) | A semi-integral span bridge with a link slab over a pier is a bridge design that uses link slabs to connect bridge decks without traditional deck joints. |  |
| Simple Span | Simple span bridges cross from one support to another and can be joined together to create a longer span. |  |
| Suspended Span | Span in which the arms do not meet in the center; instead, they support a central truss bridge which rests on the ends of the cantilever arms. |  |
| Suspension | A suspension bridge is a type of bridge in which the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders. |  |
| Unknown | The shape or form of the bridge in the lengthwise (longitudinal) direction is not recorded or cannot be determined from available information. |
