Arch bridges are marvels of engineering, using the arch shape to efficiently transfer loads to supports. From ancient stone structures to modern steel designs, these bridges span gaps and obstacles with grace and strength. bridges —over 222,000 spans—requiring major repair or. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of this bridge and its loads partially as horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either end, and partially as vertical loads on the arch supports. A viaduct (a long bridge) may be made from a series of arches, although other, more economical. arch bridge, bridge in which the main supporting elements are arches. An arch bridge carries loads primarily by compression, which exerts on the foundation both. A truss bridge is one of the most common and effective types of bridges.
