Steel Girder Bridge Introduction


Here's a clear comparison of steel girder bridge types and their key differences:

Types of Steel Girder Bridges

TypeCross-Section ShapeSpan RangeKey FeaturesProsConsBest For
Rolled I-BeamStandard I-shape10-30mFactory-made sectionsLow cost, quick installLimited span capacityShort highway spans, pedestrian bridges
Plate GirderBuilt-up I-section20-100mWelded/bolted platesCustom depths, heavy loadsHigher fabrication costRailway bridges, medium highway spans
Box GirderClosed rectangular50-250mSingle/multi-cellHigh torsional stiffnessComplex fabricationCurved alignments, long spans
Tub GirderCircular/oval tube30-80mHollow sectionAerodynamic, aestheticLimited to moderate spansUrban bridges, signature designs
Hybrid GirderVariable materials50-150mHigh-strength flangesWeight savingsConnection challengesCost-sensitive long spans

Key Differences Explained

  1. Load Capacity:

    • Rolled I-beams: Simplest, for light loads

    • Plate girders: Customizable for heavy rail/road loads

    • Box girders: Best for combined bending+torsion (e.g., curved bridges)

  2. Span Capability:

    • Short (<30m): Rolled beams

    • Medium (30-100m): Plate/box girders

    • Long (>100m): Box girders dominate

  3. Fabrication Complexity:

    • Rolled beams: Ready-to-use

    • Plate girders: Field welding/bolting required

    • Box girders: Precision welding of closed sections

  4. Economic Factors:

    • Rolled beams: Cheapest upfront

    • Box girders: Higher initial cost but lower life-cycle maintenance

  5. Aerodynamics:

    • Open I-girders: Prone to wind vibrations

    • Closed box sections: Better for high-wind areas

Specialized Variants

  • Variable Depth Girders: Deeper at supports (optimizes material usage)

  • Launching Nose Girders: Tapered front for incremental construction

  • Orthotropic Decks: Integrated steel decking (common in box girders)

Selection Guide

  • Highway Overpass: Plate girder (cost-effective for 40-60m spans)

  • Mountainous Terrain: Box girder (handles curves and torsion)

  • Urban Aesthetics: Tub girder (sleek appearance)

  • Railway Bridge: Heavy plate girder (fatigue-resistant details)


Product Parameters


Here's a clear comparison of steel girder bridge types and their key differences:

Types of Steel Girder Bridges

TypeCross-Section ShapeSpan RangeKey FeaturesProsConsBest For
Rolled I-BeamStandard I-shape10-30mFactory-made sectionsLow cost, quick installLimited span capacityShort highway spans, pedestrian bridges
Plate GirderBuilt-up I-section20-100mWelded/bolted platesCustom depths, heavy loadsHigher fabrication costRailway bridges, medium highway spans
Box GirderClosed rectangular50-250mSingle/multi-cellHigh torsional stiffnessComplex fabricationCurved alignments, long spans
Tub GirderCircular/oval tube30-80mHollow sectionAerodynamic, aestheticLimited to moderate spansUrban bridges, signature designs
Hybrid GirderVariable materials50-150mHigh-strength flangesWeight savingsConnection challengesCost-sensitive long spans

Key Differences Explained

  1. Load Capacity:

    • Rolled I-beams: Simplest, for light loads

    • Plate girders: Customizable for heavy rail/road loads

    • Box girders: Best for combined bending+torsion (e.g., curved bridges)

  2. Span Capability:

    • Short (<30m): Rolled beams

    • Medium (30-100m): Plate/box girders

    • Long (>100m): Box girders dominate

  3. Fabrication Complexity:

    • Rolled beams: Ready-to-use

    • Plate girders: Field welding/bolting required

    • Box girders: Precision welding of closed sections

  4. Economic Factors:

    • Rolled beams: Cheapest upfront

    • Box girders: Higher initial cost but lower life-cycle maintenance

  5. Aerodynamics:

    • Open I-girders: Prone to wind vibrations

    • Closed box sections: Better for high-wind areas

Specialized Variants

  • Variable Depth Girders: Deeper at supports (optimizes material usage)

  • Launching Nose Girders: Tapered front for incremental construction

  • Orthotropic Decks: Integrated steel decking (common in box girders)

Selection Guide

  • Highway Overpass: Plate girder (cost-effective for 40-60m spans)

  • Mountainous Terrain: Box girder (handles curves and torsion)

  • Urban Aesthetics: Tub girder (sleek appearance)

  • Railway Bridge: Heavy plate girder (fatigue-resistant details)


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FAQ

Q: How can I get a quote for my project?
A: You can contact me anytime, via WeChat, WhatsApp, Email, or phone. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Email: jack@xingyasteel.com
Phone: +86 17305413116
WeChat: 17305413116
WhatsApp: +86 17305413116

Q: How long can I get the price?
A: If possible, please provide project CAD drawings, pictures or specific requirements. We usually quote within 6 hours. If you want to get a quote as soon as possible, please let us know via WeChat, WhatsApp or email so that we can prioritize your inquiry.

Q: Can we visit your factory?
A: Of course, we welcome you to visit our factory or production line on site to understand our strength and quality. We will arrange a professional team to serve you. You just need to send your itinerary and leave the rest to us.

Q: Do you provide customized product services?
A: Of course, our professional R&D team can design and produce the products you need according to your specifications and drawings. For example: special size, special control, OEM, etc.

Q: Where is the loading port?
A: Normally, we ship from Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port and Shanghai Port. Of course, we can also accept the port you specify.

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