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12 COMPONENTS OF ABRIDGE J
Broadly a bridge can be divided into
(iy) Substructure
ajor parts: (1) Superstructure:
The superstructure of a bridge ts analogous to a single story building
roof and substructure to that of walls, columns and foundations
supporting it
Superstructure consists of structural members carrying a communt
cation route. Thus, handratis, guard stones and flooring supported by
any structural system such as beams, girders, arches and cables above
the le
cl of bearings constitutes the superstructure
Substructure is a supporting system for superstructure [t consists
of the following
(1) Abutments, (1) Piers and Abutment piers, (in) Wing walls, and
(iv) Foundations for the piers and abutments.
The other main parts of bridge structure are approaches, bearings and
river traning works, like aprons, revetment for slopes at abutments, etc
Super Structure
Elevation
Linear Waterway ———-y
-— Bridge Length —,
—
Aeon
Avproach |
Wing
Abutment 4 Wall
Plan
Fig. 1.2.1 Components of a bridge4.3 DEFINITIONS
The following
engineeril
1.
10.
M,
- Foot Bridge. The foot bridge is a bridge exclusively used
. Culver
1
erms used in
{efinitions of certain important term
de
ire given below
cture facilitating !
ridge. A structure " ue en
shy ffic or other moving loads over a depressio
we stream, channel, road or railway. The communication
er, stream, channel,
a communication route for carryi
ae — be a railway track, a tramway, @ roadway, a footpath,
veyele track or a combination of them phe bres wn
High Level Bridge or Non-submersible Bridge he ae which
does not allow the high flood waters to pass over them. All the
flood water is allowed to pass through its vents. In other words it
carries the roadway above the highest flood level of the channel
Submersible Bridge. A submersible bridge is a structure which allows
flood water to pass over bridge submerging the communi-cation
route. Its formation level should be so fixed as not to Cause interruption
to traffic during floods for more than three days at a time nor for
more than six times in a year.
Causeway. Itis a pucca submersible bridge which allows floods to
pass over it. It is provided on less important routes in order to
reduce the construction cost of cross drainage structures. It may
have vents for low waterflow
for carrying
pedestrians, cycles and animals.
When a small stream crosses a road with linear waterway
less than about 6 metres, the cross drainage structure so provided
is called culvert.
Deck Bridges. These are the bridges whose floorings
al top of the superstructures.
Through Bridges. These are the bridges whose floorings are supported
or suspended at the bottom of the superstructures.
Semi-Through Bridges. These are the bridges whose floorings are
Supported at some intermediate level of the superstructure
Simple Bridges, They inciude all beam, girder or truss bridg
Supported at both ends only. It is suitable for span
Cantilever Bridges, Bridges which are more or less fixed at one
end and free at the other. It cz
n be used for spans varying from 8
metres to 20 metres. , vm
are supported
s
S up to 8 metres._ Materials used for Construction. Under this category, bridges may
be classified as timber bridges, masonry bridges, steel bridges,
reinforced cement concrete bridges, pre-stressed bridges and
composite bridges.
w
Alignment. Under this the bridge can be classified as straight or a
skew bridge.
3. Location of Bridge Floor. Under this category, bridge can be classified
as deck, semi-through or through bridges
Purpose. Under this the bridge can be classified as an aqueduct,
viaduct, highway bridge, railway bridge and foot bridge, ete.
Nature of Superstructure Action. Under this the bridges may be
classified as portal frame bridges, truss bridges, balanced cantilever
bridges and suspension bridges.
a
. Position of High Flood Level. Under this the bridges may be classified
as submersible and non-submersible bridges.
. Life. Under this the bridges may be classified as permanent and
temporary bridges. These permanent and temporary types of bridges
are further classified as given in Chart I]
od
Loadings. Road bridges and culverts have been classified by Indian
Roads Congress into Class AA, Class A and Class B bridges according
to the loadings they are designed to carry.
. Fixed or Movable. For navigable channels where permanent and
sufficient clear waterway cannot be provided, the following movable
bridges are used.
(a) Swinging bridges, (b) Bascule bridges, and (c) Lift bridges
. Span Length. Under this category the bridges can be classified as
culverts (span less than 8 m), minor bridges (span between 8 to 30
m), major bridges (span above 30 m) and long span bridges (span
above 120 m).
. Degree of Redundancy. Under this the bridges can be classified as
determinate bridges and indeterminate bridges.
12. Type of Connection. Under this category the steel bridges can be
classified as pinned connected, riveted or welded bridges.
1.5 REQUIREMENTS OF AN IDEAL BRIDGE
ae rae eee
An ideal bridge meets the following requirements to fulfil the three criteria
of efficiency, effectiveness and equity
(1) Iserves the intended function with utmost safety and convenience.sound
Itis jesthetically sound
a) a
iii) It is economical. ,
nts of traffic.
ed in subsequent chapters
uniformity of practice
esthetics and economy tor I
The requiremen a
ges shall be discuss
bri
ner and for ensur
For the guidance of the de:
¥ 2 ed follc comprehensive and
Indian Roads Congress has evolved followir I
exhaustive codes.
1, IRC “standard specifications and code of practice for road bnd
(fourth revision), 1998
section ]-General features of des ,
>. IRC “standard specifications and code of practice for road bri
section I]-Load and stresses, IRC : 6-1997
3, IRC “standard and specifications and code of practice for road
bridges” section I1]-Cement concrete (plain and reinforced)
IRC : 21-1997
4. IRC “s
bridges” section IV-Bricks, stone and block masonry” IRC
40-1995
5. IRC “standard and specifications and code of practice for road
bridges” section V-Steel road bridges IRC : 24-1984
6. IRC “standard and specifications and code of practice for road
bridges” section VI-Composite construction for road culverts and
medium span bridges IRC : 22-1991
tice for road
andard and specifications and code of pra
A comprehensive draft code for foundations and substructure
(section VII) has been finalised by Bridge Commitiee of IRC in 1995
A few more codes are on the preparation or finalisation of drafts for
defining the scopes of various sections, bearings in1982, river training
works (1997) centering for bridges, ete. A code for prestressed concrete
toad bridges based on the limit state approach is also under finalisation.
These codes incorporate the latest trends in bridge design practice. In
order to plan and coordinate the research work in the country, a separate
cell headed by a chief engineer has been created in the roads wing for
Standards and research co-ordination in bridges. :
Highway Research Board of IRC has set
inform:
: up a committee for collecting
ation on bridges and disseminating knowledge through the
Highest eegcrgare reports on selected bridge topics of importance.
thes a os Board has also identified areas of Tesearch on which
methods, Thece lene of thinking and no uniformity in design
scour depths ——e er the subjects like rational methods for evaluating
. nin bridge decks, behaviour of concrete in s
‘awaterand marine atmosphere, effects of live load surcharge on abutments
structural function of bottom plug in wells, different types of expansion
joints and wearing coats, river training works, stability of well founded
on hard strata, transverse moments in box type bridge decks. use of
flyash in concrete. and so on. A monitoring committee has also been
set up to ensure that the research is proceeding on the right lines and
as per targets in advance
1.6_IDENTIFICATION OF BRIDGES _
Separate numbers are assigned to all culverts and bridges on a highway
for their easy idenuf
The specifications and standards committee of the Indian Roads Congress
tion by the maintenance and inspection personnel
has laid down the following uniform system of numbering the cross
drainage structures
Methods of Numbering. The culverts and bridges on @ road should
be numbered in serial order, in each kilometre separately The number
should be in the form of a fraction, the numerator denoting the number
of kilometre in which the struciure ts situated and the denominator the
kilometrewise serial number of the structure. For instance. the
drainage structure in Sth kilometre (1e., between Kilometre st
and 5) should be designed as 5/3, and the 6th structure in 12
as 12/6.
In case of any new culverts or bridges which are built subsequently
say between Sth and 6th structure kilometre 250, the same should be
250 250
Kilometre
designated as ete
}
The number of the structure should be inscribed near the top of the
left hand side parapet wall as seen by the traffic in the end elevation
when approaching the structure from each direction in accordance with
the recommended practice for numbering bridges and culverts IRC
7-197]. 'uepiiy
Fung Mo; pasurpy- sur} wonewiamo adky ody gdh day,
| Soe ' I ne p | ae IN amd iw tei ssmuy,
\
kusq YT atnoeyaxy— aqnaseg = Suing ad, ay uorsuadsng odky, aq \aplig
| | | i lineal scare mnie each el our sisiens| im mesviogerea Ntsubis jarerea
adKy, | J a |
yary — asodoy = aaainuey —ajquaow uorsuadsng apy |
aapuip youy youy yory paqqny add
dung Mog = potup-¢ pasuy-c — jeapuedg uadg = jaumeg poxty
'
Quis wry dig adky x0g | | | | |
ouresy weg
Jowouos youg | wasjuey euog = oy pu qeiS. ges. YOIV ortnaas ai
aiesou0D 1 0 weld
possansaig spaang, [aig pur woay sospug ‘JOU pure Aruoseyy 2u01$
L | | |
squip uo p84 s9|lq UO :
WIT woowog =e SRP = OEP =—sSoBPU =—-BuAJY— ss OT
\ | | |
| | | |
\
sofpug Areiodway,
U
T
sopug yo uonwoysst}9
LV HO
soSpug jusueuniag
_2.1 SELECTION OF BRIDGE SITE
ed ground reconnaissance, collection of adequate hydraulic/ground
cata and subsoil investigation form an essential part of engineering survey
ciding the best possible location and type of bridge. The site for
bridge ts usually governed by engineering, economic, social and aesthetic
considerations. In case of old alignments, the bridge site may be governed
Sy existing roadway or railway alignments. On the other hand, in case
‘i new alignments, the bridge site is so chosen as to give the maximum
1
commercial and social benefits keeping in view the three criteria of
ency, effectiveness and equity. The planning process containing
various stages of goal formulation, studies and surveys, analysis of
‘la. Torecasting of future requirements, design alternatives, choice of
“aleny and implementation including management should be strengthened
with in built review, monitoring and evaluation at each and every sti ge
“ith necessary feedbacks into the system for improved performance
‘ending towards the optimal afler a number of successive
reviews. In
select a least objectionable bridge site one must know the
Characteristics of an ideal site
order t
following2.1.1 Ideal Bridge Site Characteristics
inyreldir ino able material for foundation should
1. Suitable, unyielding and non-crod Foun
be available at a short depth for the abutments and piers of a bridge
The hearing strata should be free from the tendency to slip or slide
sink under loads and away from fault zone In other words, it
should be geologically suitable:
e side should be well defined and as narrow
>. The stream at the bridg!
as possible ore
3. There should be a straight reach of stream at brid.
permanent, straight and high banks.
he bridge site should be in
site.
4 The site should have firm,
5. The flow of water in the stream at t
Steady regime condition. It should be free from whirls and cross-
currents. ;
6. There should be no confluence of large tributaries in the vicinity of
bridge site
It should be reasible to have straight approach roads and square
alignment, i.e., right-angled crossing.
8. There should be no need for costly river training works in the vicinity
of bridge site.
9. There should be minimum obstruction of natural waterway so as
to have minimum afflux.
10. In order to achieve economy there should be easy availability of
Jabour, construction material and transport facility in the vicinity of
bridge site. . 7
Il. In order to have minimum foundation cost, the bridge site should
be such that no excessive work is to be carried inside the water.
12. At the bridge site it should be possible to provide secure and
economical approaches.
13. In the case of curved alignments the bridge should not be on the
curve, but preferably on the tangent since otherwise there is a greater
likelihood of “accidents as well as an added centrifugal force w hich
increases the load effect on the structure and will require modification
of design.
14. There should be reasonable proximity to a direct alignment of the
road to be served, i.¢., avoidance of long detours
The bridge site should be such that adequate vertical height and
waterway is
emray ts available underneath the bridge for navigational Ue
16. There should be no :
15
/ adverse environmental input
The ideal bridy
SHE never exists in re, Ther Jer
ne n reality. srefore, in orde
select a least obje y. There
CHonable site merits and demerits of different alternaare compared. ‘The best compromise is a matter of judgement
sites a ‘a uy me
which depends upon the experience of engineer.
In actual practice the determination of the best possible site for any
. » is truly an economic problem. The various factors which
hould be carefully examined before settling finally upon the layout of
sho ‘
a bridge are as follows: —
proposed bridg
(i). Grade on alignment,
(i) Geographical conditions,
(iii) Government requirements,
(iv) Commercial influences,
(v) Adjacent property consideration,
(vi) General features of the bridge si.ucture.
(vii) Future trends for enlargements,
(vill) Time consideration,
(ix) Stream characteristics,
(x) Foundation consideration,
(xi) Navigational considerations,
(xii) Construction facilities available,
(xiii) Erection considerations,
(xiv) Aesthetics,
(xv) Maintenance and repairs, and
(xvi) Environmental impact.
In a nutshell, the location of a bridge at any particular point depends
upon (i) local demand, (ii) administrati
Of a road project. The purely local
© present and anticipated projected
lines of travel for the future growth of traffic. Master plans for each
town showing, specific areas for different
the planner in forecasting and thereby fixi
The locai demands can also arise out
different groups of people belonging to
by towns lying along the same river,
In order to resolve conflicting claims regarding construction of bridges
from different sources and to locate bridges to serve the best interests
of the economy, it is necessary to justify each Proposal on sound economic
and technical grounds. In other words, all the economic, social and
‘echnical gains of each bridge project should be evaluated and quantified
in monetary terms. The result of such a study will settle claims for
ng the location of bridges.
of the conflicting claims by
different districts o: states or2.2 BRIDGE ALIGNMENT
Depending upon the angle which the bridge makes with the axis of the
river, the alignment can be of two types:
(a) Square Alignment. In this the bridge is at right angle to the axis of
the river. .
(b) Skew Alignment. In this the bridge is at some angle to the axis of
river which is not a right angle,
As far as possible, it is always desirable to provide the square alignment.
The skew alignment suffers from the following disadvantages:
(i) A great skill is required for the construction of skew bridges
Maintenance of such type of bridges is also difficult.
(ii) The water-pressure on piers in case of skew alignment is also
excessive because of non-uniform flow of water underneath
the bridge superstructure.
(iii) The foundation of a skew bridge is more susceptible to scour
action.
Atcertain locations to avoid costly and unsafe approaches it becomes
essential to provide skew alignment. In such locations, the following
points are kept in mind.
(i) There should be smooth entry and exit of water underneath the
skew bridge.
(ii) The skew alignment should not be curved. It is difficult to
construct and maintain the curved bridge. The curved bridge
has to resist an additional force due to centrifugal action. It is
always desirable to arrange piers parallel to the axis of river.
24 COLLECTION OF BRIDGE DESIGN DATA,
For complete and proper appreciation of the bridge project the engineer
in charge of the investigation should carry out studies regarding its
financial, economic, social and physical feasibility. The detailed informationto be collected may cover loading to be used for design based on the
present and anticipated future traffic, hydraulic data based on stream
characteristics, geological data, subsoil data, climatic data, alternative
sites, aesthetics, cost, etc. The following drawings containing information
as indicated should be prepared
1. Index Map. The index map to a scale of 1/50,000 should be procured
from Survey of India. This map should show the proposed location
of the bridge, the alternative sites investigated and rejected, the existing
communications, the general topography and the important towns,
etc, in the vicinity.
. Contour Survey Plan. The contour survey plan showing the
topographical or other features that might influence the location
and design of the bridge and its approaches, should be plotted. The
survey plan should extend to the distance shown below upstream
and downstream of any of the proposed site and to a sufficient
distance on either side.
nN
(a) 100 metres for catchment areas less than 3 sq km (Scale not
less than 1/1000).
(b) 300 metres for catchment areas of 15 sq km (Scale not less
than 1/1000).
(c) 1.5 km for catchment areas of more than 15 sq km (Scale not
Jess than 1/5000).
3. Site Plan. This should show the details of the site selected and
extend not less than 100 metres upstream and downstream from
the centre line of the crossing and covering the approaches to sufficient
distance which in case of a large bridge should not be less than 500
metres on either side of the stream. The plan should include the
following information:
(a) The name of the stream or bridge and of the road.
(b) The approximate outline of the banks, and river at H.F.L. and
L.W.L.
(c) The direction of flow.
(d) The alignment of existing and proposed approaches and also
the alignment of proposed crossing,
The angle and direction of skew if the proposed alignment !S
on a skew. +
The name of nearest inhabited locality.
Position of the bench mark used as datum.
Location of trial pits or borings.
fe
(f)
(g)
(h)oN a
(i) Location of all nullahs, buildings, wells, out crops of rocks.
ind other possible obstructions to a road alignment.
4) Locations of L-section and X-sections of road and stream.
1. Crosy-seetions, ‘The cross-sections at the site of the proposed bridge,
5.
x
ut D/s and U/s should be plotted to the scale not less than 1/1000
horizontally and to a scale of not less than 1/100 vertically. The
following information should be indicated on ‘the cross-section:
(a) The name of the stream.
(b) The name of the road and chainage.
(c) The bed line up to the top of banks and the ground line to a
sufficient distance beyond the edges of the stream.
(d) The position of the low water level, the ordinary flood level
and the highest flood level
Maximum discharge and average velocity of flow at the bridge
site.
(f) The depth of scour below H.F.L.
(g) In case of tidal streams the following tidal information should
be indicated:
Highest high water (HHW)
Mean high water springs (MHWS)
Mean high water (MHW)
Mean high water neaps (MHWN)
Mean sea level (MSL)
Mean low water neaps (MLWN)
Mean low water (MLW)
Mean low water springs (MLWS)
Lowest low water (LLW).
Longitudinal Section. The longitudinal section of the stream showing
the site of the bridge with highest flood level, the ordinary flood
level, the low water level and the bed levels to the scale not less than
1/2500 horizontally and to the scale not less than 1/1000 vertically
should be drawn.
fe
Catchment Area Map. The catchment area map of the river at the
proposed bridge site is plotted from the topographical map of Survey
of India drawn to a scale of 1/50000. The included catchrnent area
both in hilly parts and plains is computed separately
Soil Profile. The soil profile data as obtained from subsoil exploration
Programme along each of different alternative sites should be plotted
showing the location of water table and depth, thickness and
Composition of each soil strata. The levels of bed, bank and depth3.1.8 Criteria for Fixing Design Discharge
Flood discharges should be calculated by as many methods as possible
The highest of these values should be taken as the design discharge,
provided it does not exceed the next highest discharge by more than 50
percent. If it does restrict it to that limit then the methods based on
catchment area characteristics are not reliable. Similarly, rational method
is reliable only for small culverts.
It is not desirable to design a structure to pass a flood of any possible
magnitude that can occur during the life-time of the structure. Small
bridges should be designed to pass flood of 20 years frequency and the
major bridges for 100 years
__32WATERWAY
The area through which the water flows under a bridge superstructure
is known as the waterway of the bridge. The linear measurement of this
area along the bridge is known as the linear waterway. This linear waterway
is equal to the sum of all the clear spans. This may be called as artificial
linear waterway. The natural waterway is the unobstructed area of the
river or stream through which the water flows at the bridge site.Due to the construction of a bridge the natural waterway gets contracteg
thereby increasing the velocity of flow under a bridge. This increaseg
Velocity results into heading up of water on the upstream of the tiver
or stream, Known as afflux.
While fixing the waterway of a bridge the following guiding Principles
must be kept ‘in mind to ensure the safety of the structure.
() The increased velocity due to afflux should not exceed the permissible
velocity under the bridge. Table 3.2.1 indicates the range of permissible
velocities for the different foundation materials.
Table 3.2.1
eee
S.No Nature of bed Permissible velocity in
metres /sec
L Clay 2.10
2 Sandy Clay 150
3 Very Fine Sand 0.60 to 0.90
4 Fine Sand 0.90 to 0.50
5. Fine Gravel 1.50 to 1.80
6. Rocky Soil 3.00
7. Rock 4.20 to 6.00
(ii) There should not be too much heading up of water surface above
the bridge, when it is necessary to restrict the waterw ay to such
an extent that the resultant afflux will cause the stream to discharge
at erosive velocities, protection against damage by scour should
be afforded by deep foundation, curtain or cut of walls, rip rap,
stream bed pavement, bearing piles, sheet piles or other suitable
means. Likewise embankment slopes adjacent to all structures
Subject to erosion should be adequately protected by pitching
ryetment walls or other suitable construction.
(H) The freeboard for high level bridges should not be less he"
600 mm.
(iv) Clearance should be allowed according to navigational requireme
The minimum clearance for opening of high level bridges ae
are approximately rectangul
following Table 3 222)
nthe
ance with
ar should be in accordance “!Table 3.2.2
= No. Discharge Minimum Vertical
; Clearance, mm
a
1 Below 0.3 m* per sec.
2 0.3-3.0 m’ per sec.
i 3.1-30.0 m? per sec.
4. 31-300 m’ per sec.
5 301-3000 m* per sec 1200
6 Over 3000 m’ per sec 1500
The principles for fixing the waterway mainly depend upon the type
of the stream to be bridged. The following are some of the recommendation
for fixing the waterway:
L. Waterway for Stream with Rigid Boundaries, The artificial irrigation,
navigation and drainage channels, whose boundaries remain the same
during and after the flood, the effective linear waterway should
generally be equal to the width of channel at mid-depth.
. Waterway for Quasi-Alluvial Stream. For non-meandering natural
streams not wider than 30 m in alluvial beds but with well defined
banks and for all natural channels in beds with rigid inerodible
boundaries, the liner-waterway should be the distance between banks
at the high flood level water surface.
Waterway for Alluvial Streams: For large natural streams in alluvial
beds and having undefined banks, the linear waterway should be
determined from the designed discharge using the following formula
proposed by Lacey for Regime conditions
L=cJQ.
Here, L = The linear waterway in metres or Regime surface width
in metres,
Q = The design maximum discharge in m’/sec
¢ = A constant usually taken as 4.8 for Regime channel
but it may very from 4.5 to 6.3 according to local
conditions.
4. Waterway for Streams with Shallow Sub-section: The W
Should be provided equal to actual surface width of the active
channel.
v
w
erway33 ECONOMIC SPAN
which reduces the overal
The economic span of a bridge is the one
cost of a bridge to be a minimum. The overall cost of a bridge depeng
upon the following factors
(i) Cost of material and its nature
(ii) Availability of skilled labour
(iii) Span length
(iv) Nature of Stream to be bridged
(v) Climatic and other conditions
Typical cost components for prestressed concrete road bridges jy
the span range 20 10 50 m are shown in Fig. 3.3. The 5 are based or
computations of alternative designs with varied spans for a major brid
ss Betwa river, adopting a two-girder prestressed concrete-reinfor
concrete composite deck of two lane
lor, |
‘ |
| |
|
|
20
15
CeNparion _—
10
|
gupERSTRUCTURS
Ss
45 50
COST UNITS PER m
20. 25 30 35 40
SPAN BETWEEN CENTRES OF PIERS, m
Fig. 3.3 Typical Cost Components for Prestressed Concrete Road Bridges
It is not in the hands of engineers to bring down the cost of living
index or the price of the materials like cement, steel, timber, etc. but
they can help in bringing down the cost of bridges by evolving economical
designs.
Considering only the variable items, the cost of superstructure increase
and that of the sub-structure decreases with an increase in the spa?
length. Thus most economic span length is that, which satisfies the
following i.e.
The cost of the super-structure = The cost of the sub-structureme
derivation for the economic span can be established on the basis
The A
ng assumptions:
of the followi
ji) The bridge has equal span lengths. In pr
tice, generally equal
spans are kept
(ii) The cost of the supporting system of super-structure varies as the
square of the span length. This assumption is nearly justified, because
the design of supporting system sections of super-structure depends
upon the bending moment, which in turn varies as square of span
length.
Cost of flooring and parapets varies directly as the span. This
assumption is justified because as the span increases. the quantity
of material also increases
(iti)
(iv) Cost of one pier and its foundation is constant This is more or
less only approximately true, as the depth of foundation is decided
by scour considerations, which is constant at a bridge site
Cost of the abutments and their foundations is also constant. As
the end span length increases the load on the abutment also
correspondingly increases requiring costly design. The variation
is negligible.
Let, L = Total length of the bridge
Span length.
The total number of spans.
=L/I
= Cost of one pier with its foundation
= Cost of one abutment and its foundation.
Ay = Cost of one approach.
T = Total bridge cost.
(v
=
"
>
\
According to (ii) and (iii) assumptions:
Cost of one span of super-structure = (a1? + a5!)
Here, a, and ay 'are constants of variations.
There are (n-1) number of piers, and two abutments
The total cost of bridge = Cost of supporting system of super-
structure + Cost of two abutments
+Cost of (n-1) piers +Cost of
approaches, railings and parapets.
ie
T=n(al +ayl)+2A, +2Ay +(n-1) PReplacing n=£
i
Li a L
r= 7 (al al)+(F-1] 424 +24,
PL
= Ll + ah + 5*— P+2A, +24,
Therefore, =
For T to be minimum,
a 6
dl
or a FF =0
oo +(3.3.1)
or
or economic span
i.e. cost of supporting system of one span is equal to cost of one pier.
In other words, cost of sub-structure is equal to the cost of super
structure. As a rule, the number of spans should be kept minimum, &
piers cause obstruction to water flow. If piers are necessary, an odd
number of spans or even number of piers is to be preferred.
This general equation of the above methods is given as
l=KVP
Where / is the length of economic span, K, the constant, and
cost of one pier.
The IRC, with a little modification, has recommended the follo
principle:
Cost of Variable part of super-structure =
P. the
wing
Cost of variable part i"
the sub-structureuae
The broad principles
deciding the Economic a |
Bae ee eaus Saree out the minimum cost, the first
ci f the cost equation of the bridge is equated to zero. In this
anes it has to be assumed that length of the bridge is substantially
ng h that the limit of ratio of number of piers to number of vents
ie to unity. Therefore, for a bridge having less than 10 vents,
Hae obtained deviate from the optimum value
as recommended by IRC can be followed while
Length of Span for a bridge
Ho
A recent study (March, 1986) has suggested a different method to
overcome such variations. They have derived correction factors related
to the number of vents to a bridge which, if applied to the approximate
length of span arrived at by the method recommended by Code of Practice,
would be give precise length of economic span, necessary for the particular
bridge. The general equation is
fe ell La
Nee cies
where / is the economic length of span (ELS), m, n, the number of
vents, n—1, the number of piers; P, the cost of one pier including foundation
(Rs), and K,, the constant indicating variable part of the superstructure
While deriving the correction factors, it has been assumed that the
1
rn . . .
ratio remains constant in the range of variation in the ELS
n
This factor, if applied to the approximate length of span arrived at
by conventional method. gives precise length of economic span, necessary
for a particular bridge. It is observed that the length of precise economic
Span thus arrived at is smaller than the conventional one, The variation
in the span length is from 5% to 15% when the number of spans to a
bridge are between 5 and 10. When the number to spans are below 5,
the variation is from 15% to 41%. Wherever approximate span height
Fatlo is adopted, the cost of the bridge is always on higher side by 8%
‘0 20% over the optimum. Two tables indicating economic span height
Fatios with necessary correction factors are included. One case study
has also been discussed.
The following thumb rules can be of great help to determine the
©conomic Span in small bridges:3g SCOUR DEPTH
When the velocity of stream exceeds the limiting
erodable particle of bed material can stand, the scour occurs. T
scour depth is the depth of water in the middle of the stre
is carrying the peak flood discharge. This can be easily
actual soundings at or near the site proposed for the brid
immediately after a flood before the scour holes have had ¢
up appreciably. Due allowance should be made in the ot
for increase in scour resulting from.
(i) The designed discharge being greater than tl
during which the scour was observed
(ii) The increase in velocity due to the obstruction in flow ed t
construction of the bridge.
The scour pattern at a bridge depends upon factors like floc
bed slope, direction of flow, bed material alignment of p
Le. its shape and size, etc.
For a safe and sound design of a bridge it is important to estimate
the correct scour depth. Where the practical method of d
Scour is not possible, the following theoretical methods
different types of streams
(1) Scour Depth of Alluvial Streams
Alluvial streams bed and banks are composed of loose granular
that has been deposited by the stream and can be picked up and tran
‘gain by the current durir flood. These streams tend to sco
“pull it has ection and more particu
a slope
acquired such a cros:
that the resulting velocity is ‘non-silting’ and “non-scouring
hen Such a stage occurs the stream becomes stable and ten
Maintain the acquired shape and size of its cross-section and the acquired
Slope. Such a stream is known as ‘regime channel’. The alluy ial sure m
when comes to regime it acquires a regime wetted perimeter (P. ¢regime slope ‘s’, and a regime hydraulic mean depth ‘d™. As a r¢
this it will have a fixed area of cross-section and a fixed vel
Lacy developed following equations for these regime ct
an alluvial channel carrying a discharge of ‘Q” in cu.m. pe
p=48/0
(Q 1B
d =0.473) F j
0.0003 f
s=
Ql”
v =0.44 Ql’ £13
239°
eee
f
The scour depth can be calculated as given below in case
case II.
Case I. Linear Waterway of the Bridge is not less t
Width: In this case the normal scour depth is equal to the R
given by following the Lacy’s Regime equation
d=0.473)
Here, d = Normal depth of scour below H.F-L
conditions in a stable channel (in m
Q = The designed discharge in m* per sec
f = Lacey’s silt factor for a representative
the bed material ek
= 1.76¥m, here m is the mean diameter of “*
material in millimetre. oe
are 5
The values of f normally recommended for various grades
Table 3.4.1.Table 3.4.1
S.No. Type of bed material Mean dia. of particle yg
to which applicable in mm panicle Value off
1 Very fine silt \ a
2 (
? Fine silt Godavary 0.081 ou
Western India ae
3 Fine silt 0.120 0.00
4 Fine silt Kistna Western 0.158 0.700
Delta type
5 Medium silt 0.233 0.850
6 Standard silt 0.323 1.000
7 Medium sand 0.505 1.250
8 Coarse sand 0725 1.500
9 Fine bajri and sand 0.988 1.750
10 Héavy sand 12) 2.000
Se
gime Width: In this case of
be given by the following
Case IH. Lincar Waterway less than the Re
the normal scour depth under the bridge can
equation
061
w
d=d ( =]
L
W = The Regime width of the stream
(3.4.2)
Here
1 = The waterway provided under the bridge
on d = The normal scour depth when, L=W
dy= The normal scour depth with contracted waterway
This condition is depicted in Fig. 3.4.1
Face of Abuime
rig StI) he
oars| } $0210
it
The maximum scour depth in this case too will occur at noses of
pier
Therefore, Maximum scour depth = 2d = 6.04 im
For Case I: Check by the formula in case of bridge causing contractor
d,, =d(WILy%
m
3.02(83/ 70)" = 416m
This value is less than 6.2 m
Fherefore, adopt maximum scour depth = 6.2 m
DEPTH OF FOUNDATION
The depth of bridge foundation is determined by consideration of th
afe bearing capacity of the soil after taking into account the cttec!
scour, In all doubtful cases, the bearing capac ity of the foundation >
is ascertained by actual field load tests. The bore holes are drivel |
determine the adequacy of thickness of the foundation bearing hye!
the soil The minunurn depth of foundation can be approxunately calculate
by the following relationshipp (1-sing |"
w (1+sino
“ h = The depth of foundation in metres
Here, .
P = The bearing capacity of soil in kg /m*
w = The specific weight of earth in kg
and, @ = The angle of internal friction of the soil
Table 3.5.1 gives the bearing capacity of various soil according to
IS: 1904-1961
Note 1. Compactness or looseness of cohesionless materials may be
determined by driving a wooden picket of dimensions
3x5x70cm with a sharp point. The picket shall be pushed
vertically into the soil by the full weight of a person at least 70
kg. If the penetration of the picket exceeds 20 cm, the loose
state shall be assumed to ©
ist
Note 2. Dry means that the
than the width of foundation be
ground water level is at a depth not less
ow the base of the foundation
Note 3. The bearing capacity of peat, fills or made-up ground should
se determined after investigation
Note 4. Cohesive soils are susceptible to long term consolidation
settlement.
Note S. Increase or decrease the safe bearing capacity as follows
(a) The safe beari
the weight of the material removed from above the bearing le
ie, the base of the foundation
capacity may be increased by an amount equ al to
(b) For cohesionless soils, the safe bearing should be reduced by 50
percent if the water-table is above or near the bearing surface of the
soil. If the water-table is below the bearing surface of the soil ata
discharge at ieast equal to the width of the foundations no such
reduction should apply. For intermediate depths of the ater-table,
proportional reduction of the safe bearing capacity may be made
The maximum toe pressure on the foundation bearing layer resulting
from the worst combination of direct forces and overturning moments
should be calculated for each individual foundation. In calculating this
Pressure the effect of passive resistance of the earth on the sides of the
foundation may be taken into account below the maximum depth 0
F ma
Scour. The effect of skin-friction on the sides of the foundation maybe ignored except in the case of well and pile where skin frict
ion may
be allowed on the portions below the maximum scour depth 4
Depth of Foundation for Hard Beds
Where a substantial stratum of solid rock or other inerodable material
at anticipated maximum velocity and of adequate safe bearing capacity
is encountered on or ata shallow depth below the surface, the foundation
should be securely anchored into it. The rock should be benched by
chiselling and a number of dowel bars of approximately 38 mm diameter
at about 0.8 m spacing should be provided to anchor the foundation to
the rock. Then a levelling course with lean cement concrete is laid.
Over this, the foundation is built.
Depth of Foundation for Erodable strata
Where only erodable strata is available, the foundations may be designed
either as a deep foundation or as shallow foundation given below. In
either case the safe bearing capacity of subsoil is not exceeded.
Deep Foundations
The foundations should be taken down to a depth below the maximum
high flood level one-third greater than the calculated maximum scour
depth. The depth below the scour line should in no case be less than
2 m for piers and abutments of arched bridges and 1.3 metres for other
bridges,
Shallow Foundations
In case of sandy, incompressible foundation bearing stratum, the foundation
is laid down to a comparatively shallow depth below the bed surface.
6 BFFLUX
When a bridge is constructed, the structures such as abutment and
piers cause the reduction of the natural waterway area. The contraction
of the stream is desirable because it leads to tangible saving in the cost
specially for alluvial streams whose natural surface width is too ae
than required for stability. Therefore, to carry the maximum flood
discharge, the velocity under a bridge increases. This incre: eee
Rives rise to a sudden heading up of water on the upstream side ° i
Stream, This phenomenon of heading up of water on the upstrear
Of the stream is known as afflux. Greater the afflux gre:
velocity under the downstream side of the bridge and
depth of scour and consequently greater will be the deni aie
required. The top levels and lengths of guide bunds and fle
ased velocity
ater will be the
er will be the
of foundations
tionbunds are fixed based upon the amount of alti, Hats determines
es 1
formation levels, free board and he ad room 7
The atflux is calculated by one of the following formula
(a) Marriman’s Formula
\ ,
ha (A/C, )° ~ CATA)
2
Here ha Afflux in metres
V © Velocity of approach in metres per second
4 = Natural waterway area at the site
a = Contracted area in square metres
\, = The enlarged area upstream of the bridge square metre
ic Coefficient of discharge
0.75 40.35 (a/A)— 0. HalAy approximately
(b) Molesworth’s Formula
(Va 2
ha =| —— + 0.015 | {(A/ay~ 1}
17.9
Here, V, A anda have the same meaning as in the Marriman’s formula
Iiustrative Example 3.6.1 A bridge has a linear waterway of 150
metres constructed across a stream whose natural linear waten way
15 220 metres. If the average flood discharge is 1200 metre Kec
and average flood depth is 3 metres, calculate the afflux under the
bridge.
Solution. The natural waterway area at the site
= A= 2203 = 660 m?
Contracted waterway area =a =150x3= 450m?
The velocity of approach =V =Q/A
Here,Q = Flood discharge = 1200 m? /sec
V = 1200 /660 = 1.83 m/sec
Using Molesworth formula, the afflux can be given by
A ie + S|{(Alay -1)
ha
5 f
(0.187 40.015) ((060/450)° — 1}
0,202 «1.15 —0232n3.7 CLEARANCES "
fo avoid any possibility of traffic striking
any structural part ele
srams are specified. The horizontal clearan cance
al clearance 3
diag
clear width and the vertical clearance the clear height
ar height, i
should be the
ne of vehic ailable fo)
passage of vehicular traffic as shown in the clearance dias nx
3.7.1
am in Fig
Horizontal Clearance -»
I, Horizontal Clearance
1825 11500 =
- a t ‘Not Less Than 6800 for twa
ce os Traffic Lanes for each
gS3 8 Additional Traffic Lane Increase
bh 300 ESS Road width by 3000 5
rest ?
Maximum Moving Bao s
Dimensions of S32, 2 Level of er’ im
Vehicles 2 of Road
3300 x 4500 —
2 Half Section Showing Main g
Single Lane Fixed Structure in the ae
Intermediate Portions of a oaened
Bridge a Bridge of Bridge
Fig. 3.7.1 Clearance Diagram for Road Bridges
For a bridge constructed on a horizontal curve with superelevated
road surface, the horizontal clearance should be increa sed on the side
of the inner kerb by an amount equal to 5m multiplied by the superelevation.
The minimum vertical clearance should be measured from the superelevated
level of the roadway.
_38FREE BOARD
Free board is the vertical distance between the designed high flood level,
allowing for afflux, if any, and the level of the crown of the
bridge at its lowest point
tis essential to provide the free board in all types of bridges for the
following reasons:
(i) Free board is required to allow floating
approach waves to pass under the bridge ;
(ii) Free board is also required to aliow for the afflux during the XT
flood discharge due to contraction of waterway.
(i) Free board is required to allow the vessels
ecrunks and
lebris, fallen
to cross the bridge in12.6 MAINTENANCE OF BRIDGES
The bridge maintenance problens are serious handicaps t0 the fy
i: Hinecy
en and construction mity result in worst problems for |
§ LO bridy,
Poor dest
Even if the bridges are well designed and c¢
UStHUCHed
maintenance
they may require |
depend upon the bridge types. Normally the serviee jy
ils
ars for the superstructure ang
seriodic maintenance, the extent of which woul
oul
however
expectancy of a bridge is about 70 y
100 years for the substructure, Due to faulty maintenance the useful
life may be drastically reduced. It is well said that prevention is better
than cure, and in some areas of modern life the philosophy of preventiy
action is practiced. The importance of management systems in bridge
xtent of what maintenance
maintenance is recognised but the full
entails is still being determined and the concept of preventive maintenance,
although logical, has not been fully adopted. Much of bridge maintenance
is routine but some unforeseen technical problems will always occur
These highlight the benefits of preventive action but can also pose
problems as to the nature and form that the prevention should take.
Some forms of preventive maintenance are clear, examples being: the
ilar painting of steel structures,
maintenance of drainage systems, tr
and special inspections following the f
to a family of bridges.
eas, problems and potential problems have been identified
typical examples
against
‘ailure of any clement common
but the optimum solution has not been determined,
being the protection of reinforced and prestressed concrete
salt attack, and the optimum time to change bearing and expansion!
joints. At present maintenance is dominated by the backlog of remedial
works: in the future the emphasis should change to prevention and
afety and
rather than cure. In order to assure bridge safety ane
protection
conserve the national investment on bridges, it is essential (0 evolve
and implement suitable inspection and evaluation procedures: T°"
should be a separate cell for bridge inspection which should maint?
record of each bridge in its jurisdiction.
The bridge inspections are mainly of two types:
1. Routine inspection.
2. In-depth inspection, prude
/
yr the
1. Routine Inspectio, It involves a general examination of i ce
structure on regular basis to check outward physical 1 as
distress that might require repair, This type o! inspe
Particularly applicable to short span bridges——_
Indepth Inspection. It involves a detailed visual
bridge Components. It must be scheduled once
ion of
in three
all
to five
of old brid
‘atastrophic con eque
In general the common locations of trouble spots in bridg
ges are
related to foundations, bearings, connections, floor i
truss-members. The periodic addition of surface d
common defect in bridge maintenance because it incre
load in excess of original design
years. This type of inspection is imperative in ca:
where structural failure could result in c
The other common defect generally met with is inoperative expansion
bearings due to defective maintenance. Whatever may be the type of
bridge, it is imperative to check the following trouble spots
Cracks in concrete and metal work.
Foundation settlement and movement,
Expansion joints distress.
Inoperative expansion bearings.
Excessive vibration
Loose connections
Damaged members.
Areas of past repairs.
wwmrnwPwvnna
Areas of distress on other similar structures.
Special repairs are needed for special problems which have attributed
to the bridge failures. The failure of the concrete and masonry bridges
can be due to the following causes:
1. The formation of cracks formed due to subsidence or due to
: : ansion joints.
the absence of expansiol
>. The breaking of surface as a result of the use of bricks or
ones of insufficient strength.
Th crumbling of mortar or masonry due to the lack of
ec!
7 i ration 7
4. The oe ement due to excess of water used in the concrete
sinfore
of reinfor
due to inadequate cover over the reinforcement
i jue
mix oF
: yinecr must judge the quality of the concrete and
The inspecting aie following they are automatic indicators of
any O
if he sees any
“trouble”.
(i) Cracking
beam
ition of max BM or shear cracks at end of
at pos
tness /
| watertigh of concrete accompanied by the exposure
}
!(ii) Spalling of concrete — corrosion of reinforcement
(iii) Segregation of concrete — pour construction cunts.
(iv) Blistering of concrete — steel corrosion or poor a .
standards. aie
(v) Looseness of the exposed surface — poor construction
carbonation of the concrete. a2
(vi) Members out of alignment.
(vii) Anything else which looks wrong.
The maintenance techniques for different types of bridges are briefly
described below. 7
(i) Maintenance of Concrete Bridges: It is essential to maintain a
regular inspection record to detect the exact nature of trouble. The
prompt attention obviates costly repairs. The following matters need
routine inspection.
(a) The operation of the drainage system and proper functioning
of weep holes.
(b) The free action at expansion joints and at bearings
Slight cracks detected either in the road surface or elsewhere
should be kept under observation. The development of these
cracks should be watched until the cause is ascertained and
defects made good. Examination of piers and abutments for
differential settlement and sign of scour.
(d) Clearing of obstructions in river tending to cause a scour.
(e) Examination for deterioration for road surface.
(c)
Reinforcement Corrosion in Bridges
1.A.B.S.E. (1970) has reported that corrosion dam
accounted for as high as 56% of total number cf cases repo
reinforced concrete while for prestressed concrete the percent
to 40 percent, of the 25 cases of reinforced concrete bridge damage
reported as many a1 17 were for overbridges over railways: Tews
found that the greatest number of corroded reinforced concret
construction was situated in ‘Industrial Atmosphere’ .
the reported cases). In 22 percent of the corrosion cases the aim
was simply humid followed by normal atmosphere account!
percent. Marine atmosphere accounted for a mere 4 perce
shows that the durability problems for an R.C.C. ot prestressed coral
bridge mostly relates to the corrosion of reinforcement 1s electrochem
active. The reaction of the metal with the environment :
ages tO bridges
ted for
age fell
(32 percent
nosphere
for
ent. TAS
rele
depends ulature of products of corrosion. However,
ine aided in good concrete is effectively p
Ce aeene ata ae Bee more than |
rrne passivity of the steel depends upon the impermeability and
continuity of the embedment which reduces the entry and cont
ihe active reagents with the steel. The protective passivity of steel
isappears when the pH value falls below & to 10. This decrease of
pH is due to carbonation of free calcium hydrates when the concrete
is permeable and moist which has been found that the depth of
carbonation does not exceed 2 cm in case of dense and sound
concrete even after 50. years. On the other hand in case of permeable
concrete, the depth of ¢
‘arbonation’ can be as high as 10 cm. This
destroys the passivity of reinforcement. No concrete can be made
absolutely impermeable to water or air. However, good dense concrete
with ordinary Portland cement h
as been found impermeable enough to
provide adequate Protection against the most unfavourable conditions
of exposition anticipated for highway bridges. Thus a satisfactory
protection to steel depends upon the quality of concrete, depth of
concrete cover over reinforcement and the degree to which the
quality control is followed in the construction Operation.
(ii) Maintenance of Steel Bridges.
bridge renders it a long useful life comparable with any other form
of construction. The steel must be Pp
ainted at regular intervals, The
following points must be kept in mind while designing the steel
bridges:
reinforcement: when
assivated by the alkaline
2
act of
Proper maintenance of a steel
(a) Every part should be accessible for
cleaning and painting.
(b) There should be adequate clearance
between steel work and
masonry.
(c) Box and nearly closed sections should be avoided unless large
enough to be provided with man-holes,
(4) Through sections and pock where dirt id rain can collect
should be avoided or else drainage holes of ample size should
be provided if unavoidable.
(e)
A few thicker sections should be used in preference to large
number of thinner members. This prevents Tusting of the
hidden parts.
General problems with steel bridges are:
L Cracking of the abutment under the girders.
2. Movements of the abutments.