Compression

Compression is a force which squeezes or squashes.

Tension
Tension is a force which pulls or stretches.

Forces in Beam Bridges

Forces act mostly on the top and bottom surfaces of a beam bridge.

The force of gravity, acts downwards on objects on the bridge. The

reactions in the bridge supports make the beam bend in the middle.
This squashes (compresses), the top surface of the beam. At the same time
the bottom surface is stretched (in tension).