Enter the total mass held by the bridge and the total mass of the bride itself into the calculator to determine the bridge efficiency.

## Bridge Efficiency Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Bridge Efficiency.

BE = MS / MB
• Where BE is the bridge efficiency
• MS is the mass supported by the bridge at maximum capacity
• MB is the mass of the bridge

To calculate the bridge efficiency, divide the mass supported by the bridge as maximum capacity by the total mass of the bridge itself.

## What is a Bridge Efficiency?

Definition:

Bridge efficiency is a measurement of a bridge’s total structural efficiency. Structural efficiency is the relationship between the weight of a structure and the strength of its support. The lower the weight, the higher the structural efficiency, and therefore the better the bridge.

Bridge efficiency quantifies a suspension bridge’s total structural efficiency. A low-weight structure needs less support to carry the same loads as a heavier structure, so it is more structurally efficient. The Golden Gate Bridge, often referred to as an icon and a miracle of engineering, has world’s best overall bridge efficiency (91.3%).

If a bridge is properly designed, it can serve its intended purpose for many years. The relationship between the weight and the strength of a bridge are essential to achieving this longevity.