Beam bridge

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/beam-bridge

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is a beam bridge?A beam bridge is a simple bridge that uses a straight beam supported at both ends. The beam bends when something walks on it, with the top side squeezing and the bottom side pulling. It’s the most common type of bridge in the world.
2. Why are beam bridges called "simple superstars"?Because they are the easiest to build and use straight beams that only need support at the ends. They can carry cars, trains, and even people across rivers and roads. Their simple design makes them cheap and reliable.

Bending Moment: A measure of the rotational force experienced by a beam due to applied loads.
Plate Girder: A beam constructed from flat steel plates welded together to form a deep, strong section.
Box Girder: A beam with a hollow, box-shaped cross-section, offering high torsional stiffness and strength.
Viaduct: A long bridge composed of multiple spans, typically used to cross valleys or lowlands.