Bridge Superstructure

The components of a bridge structure above the level of bearings are

grouped as superstructure. The main parts of a bridge superstructure
are
1.Decking consisting of a slab, girders, trusses, etc
2.Hand rails, guard stones etc.
The superstructure of a bridge can broadly be classified into two
categories:
(i) fixed-span superstructure
(ii) movable-span superstructure,
In case of fixed-span superstructures, the superstructure remains in
a fixed position and most of the bridges are of this category.
In case of movable-span superstructures, the superstructure is
lifted or moved with the help of some suitable arrangement.
Following are the various types of bridges with the fixed-span
superstructures:
(1) Simple bridges or beam bridges
(2) Continuous bridges.
(3) Cantilever bridges
(4) Arch bridges
(5) Bow-string girder type bridges.
(6) Rigid frame bridges.
(7) Suspension bridges
(8) Cable-stayed bridges.
 Simple bridge or beam bridge

In case of simple bridges, the span is simply supported and they are
sometimes referred to as the independent-span bridges. Depending
upon the position of superstructure, the simple bridges are divided into
the following three categories:
(1) Deck bridges
(2) Through bridges
(3) Semi-through bridges.
 Deck bridges

For any bridge, the following two levels to be carefully decided:

(i) Formation level: The ground level of approaches is to be taken into
consideration for fixing the formation level road or railway line.
(ii) Highest flood level or H.F.L.: While making the calculation for
maximum flood discharge, the H.F.L. for the river or stream is
determined. If it is possible to accommodate the superstructure of
bridge between these two levels with suitable allowance for
clearance, as shown in fig. is known as the deck bridge.
 Through bridges
Sometimes the difference between the formation level and H.F.L. is not
sufficient to accommodate the superstructure of bridge. In such cases,
the superstructure projects above the formation level, as shown in fig.
Such a bridge is known as the through bridge.
 Semi-through bridges.
When the superstructure of bridge projects partly above the formation
level and partly below the formation level, as shown in fig. it is known
as the semi-through bridge and it is thus an intermediate type between
the deck bridge and through bridge.
 Advantages of deck bridge.

1.Effect of horizontal forces: The effect of various horizontal forces such

as tractive effort and wind load will be comparatively less on a deck
type bridge than that on a through type bridge. The deck bridge gets
this advantage as its super-structure is situated below the formation
level of road or railway line.
2. Erection: For steel bridges, it proves to be easier to erect the
superstructure of a deck bridge than that of a through bridge.
3.Natural scenery: A deck bridge grants better view of the surrounding
scenery and hence, it is preferred to the through bridge for carrying the
highway traffic.
4.Width of bridge: The total width of a deck bridge will be equal to its
actual width, as shown in fig. The total width of a through bridge will
be equal to the actual width of bridge plus width of superstructure on
either side, as shown in fig. Thus, the total width of a through bridge
will be more than that of a deck bridge. Hence, for the same width of
bridge, the weight of superstructure in case of through bridge will be
more than that of a deck bridge.
 Continuous bridges
When the bridge is designed to continue unbroken over intermediate
supports, it is said to be continuous bridge.
When the design of a bridge is made on a continuous span, it is found
that the bending moment anywhere in the span is considerably less
than that in case of a simply supported span.
Such reduction of bending moment ultimately results in the economic
section for the bridge. But to take maximum advantage of a continuous
span, it is essential that the following two conditions are satisfied
(1) Facilities for erection 2) Hard soil.
 Cantilever bridges
A cantilever bridge is formed of the cantilevers projecting from the
supporting piers. The ends of a cantilever bridge are treated as fixed.
A cantilever bridge combines the advantages of a simply supported
span and a continuous span. For long spans and deep valleys and at
places where it will not be practicable to use centering, the cantilever
bridges are more suitable.
The construction of a cantilever bridge may either be of simple type or
of balanced type. The ends of cantilever just meet at the centre of
span.
 Arch bridges
Classification of bridge arches.
1.According to condition of spandrel.
2.According to number of hinges.
3.According to shape.
4.According to width.
 1.According to condition of spandrel.
Depending upon the condition of space above the arch and below the
formation level, the arches are classified as under.
a.Filled spandrel arch
b.Open spandrel arch.
Filled spandrel arch
Open spandrel arch
 According to number of hinges
a.Three-hinged arch
b. Two-hinged arch.
c.One hinged arch
d.Hingeless arch.
 Advantages of arch
1.Asthetic effect.
2.Design.
3.Gorges
4.Maintenance.
5.Span.
6.Vibration.
 Disadvantages of arch
1.Inclinded reactions.
2.Indeterminate structure.
3.Rise.
 Bow string girder type bridges
The bow-string girder type bridge derives its name from its shape. The arch rib and tie
respectively resemble bow and string. The flooring of bridge rests on ties and the load
is transmitted to the arch rib through suspenders. Suitable bracing may also be
provided in case of steel bow-string girders.
The bow-string girder type bridge removes the following two disadvantages of the arch
bridges:
(i) The horizontal thrust is resisted by ties. Hence, the reactions at supports are
vertical and not inclined as in case of the arch bridges. As a result of vertical
reactions, the supports require lighter sections.
(ii) (ii) The bow-string girders project above the formation level of road or railway
line. Hence, the question of accommodating the rise between the level of
approaches and the springing level of arch does not arise.
The bow-string girder type bridges are therefore very suitable for multiple spans and at
places where the available clearance is restricted.
R.C.C. bow string girder bridge
Steel bow string girder bridge
 Rigid frame bridges
In case of rigid frame bridges, the monolithic portal frames are
designed for the superstructure and substructure.
Following are the favorable conditions for a rigid frame bridge:
1.It is not possible to provide an arch bridge.
2. The bearing capacity of soil is low.
3. There is restriction of headroom over the full span.
4. The roadway is wide.
5. The span is small.
 Cable stayed bridges.
The cable-stayed bridges are similar to the suspension bridges except that
there are no suspenders in the cable-stayed bridges and the cables are
directly stretched from towers to connect with the decking. Thus, no
special external anchorage is required for the cables as in case of the
suspension bridges because the anchorage at one end is done in the
girder and at the other on top of tower.
Each anchorage in girder introduces horizontal and vertical forces. The
cross girders or diaphragms take up the vertical forces. The stiffening
girders are designed to take bending stresses and also a compressive force
which is induced by the horizontal component of the force in the cable.