Bridges are fundamental structures built to span physical obstacles like rivers, roads, and ravines, primarily facilitating the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and utilities. Their construction history reflects a continuous evolution of engineering, dating back to simple wooden structures and pilings around 4,000 BC. Ancient civilizations like the Mycenaean Greeks (c. 13th century BC Arkadiko Bridge), Romans (1st century Pont du Gard), and Chinese (7th century Anji Bridge) were pioneers, renowned for advanced techniques that yielded remarkably durable bridges, many still standing.
Bridge design progressed from early arch and truss forms, with materials evolving from wood and stone to iron during the Industrial Revolution. The late 1800s marked a significant shift with the widespread adoption of concrete for foundations and steel for superstructures, enabling the construction of impressive, long-span suspension and cable-stayed bridges. Modern engineering now demands sophisticated methodologies like Limit State Design and finite element analysis to meet complex functional, structural, environmental, and aesthetic requirements, ensuring safety and longevity.