Mediumspan

Mediumspan is a term used in civil engineering, architecture, and related fields to describe an intermediate range of structural span—the distance between two supports. Because there is no universal standard, definitions of “medium span” vary by country, organization, and project type. In bridge design, it is commonly used to distinguish mid-range spans from short-span (often under a few tens of meters) and long-span (extending well beyond). Depending on local practice, medium-span bridges typically cover roughly 30 to 60 meters, though some guidelines extend this to 30–100 meters. This range encompasses a variety of structural systems, including reinforced concrete or steel girder bridges, box girders, and some truss configurations. Material choice and deck form reflect considerations such as traffic loads, environmental exposure, deflection limits, and constructability.

In architecture and building construction, medium-span describes roof or floor structures that span moderate distances, commonly in industrial halls, warehouses, or gymnasiums. Typical clear spans might range from about 12 to 40 meters, enabling large, column-free spaces. Structural systems used include steel frames with metal decking, lightweight concrete slabs, or timber or composite members, selected for stiffness, fire resistance, and ease of erection.

The term is often used in specification documents and curricula to frame design challenges that fall between short-span hand calculations and long-span, more specialized engineering. See also span (architecture) and bridge engineering.