BRIDGE
Engineering
ENGR. LEMUEL JASPER S. BADAJOS
Introduction of Bridge
WHAT IS A BRIDGE?
is a structure which is built over some
physical obstacle such as a body of
water, valley, or road, and its purpose is
to provide crossing over that obstacle.
Introduction of Bridge
WHAT IS A BRIDGE?
is
a structure which maintains the
communication over a physical obstacle, e.g.
A channel/river
A road,
A railway line or
A valley
Bridge Designations:
Fly-over/
VIADUCT Over-Bridge Bridge
Bridge Designations:
If it carries road traffic or railway traffic or a
pipe line over a channel or a valley:
Bridge
If it carries the traffic or pipe over a
communication system like roads or railways:
Fly-over/Over-Bridge
Bridge (several small spans) constructed over
a busy locality, a valley, dry or wetland, or
forming a flyover to carry the vehicular traffic:
Viaduct
HISTORY OF BRIDGE:
History of bridges begins with a tree log accidentally
fallen across water courses.
Natural rock arches formed due to erosion beneath.
(Arch Bridge)
Climbers suspended above a deep gorge. Hanging
creepers from one tree (Banyan trees) to other, by tying
a bunch of long creepers with the trees situated on
either side of water course
COMPONENTS OF A BRIDGE
Superstructure of a bridge is the part that receives
the load.
Substructure is the part that supports the
superstructure and transfers the load to the ground
COMPONENTS OF A BRIDGE
1. 2.
Superstructure Substructure
3.
BRIDGE DECK 4. PIER
GUARDRAIL / 5.
ABUTMENT
SAFETY WALL 6.
GIRDERS PILES
HEADER SPREAD
FOOTER
7. 8.
Classification of Bridges:
Bridges
are mainly classified according to:
A. Materials used in their construction
B. Various structural forms
C. Construction and function
A. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO MATERIAL
TIMBER
MASONARY
CONCRETE (R.C.C or Pre-stressed)
STEEL
B: According to
various
structural forms
SLAB
(0-12m)
BEAM
(10-30m)
CANTILEVER/Balan
ced Cantilever
(30-500m)
Box-Girder
(18-30m; 60-70m
with Pre- stressing)
(Cellular/Multi-celled
Bridges)
B: According to
various
structural forms
TRUSS
35- 300m
ARCH
20-500m
CABLE STAYED
90-350m
SUSPENSION
300-2000m
Distinctive Features of Slab Bridges
Usually used for Short spans
Carry loads in Shear and Flexural
bending
Have sufficient torsional stiffness
Bearings are not required
Simple Shattering/formwork is
required
Becomes heavy (increase in D.L) for
large spans. Hollow slabs are
sometimes provided for medium
spans.
Distinctive Features of
Beam/Girder Bridges
Oldest and most
common bridge type
known
Usually used for Short
and Medium spans
Carry loads in Shear
and Flexural bending
In modern girder
bridges, steel I-Beams
replace Concrete
Beams
Low torsional stiffness
Distinctive Features of Box Girder Bridges
In addition to flexural stiffness
and shear resistance, these
bridges have sufficient torsional
stiffness
Most suitable for curved plan
and longer span bridges
Distinctive Features of Truss Bridge
The primary member forces are axial loads
The open web system permits the use of a greater
overall depth than for an equivalent solid web girder,
hence reduced deflections and rigid structure.
Both these factors lead to economy in material and a
reduced dead weight. The increased depth also leads to
reduced deflections, that is, a more rigid structure.
Distinctive Features of Truss Bridge
Highmaintenance and fabrication costs.
Aesthetic appearance is debatable mainly
because of complexity of elevation.
Used economically in the span range of up to
300m.
Distinctive Features of Cantilever Bridge
Distinctive Features of Cantilever Bridge
Cantilever bridges can be of steel or concrete
In a cantilever bridge, the roadway is constructed out
from the pier in two directions at the same time so that
the weight on both sides counterbalance each other
Notice the larger section at the support to resist negative
moments
Distinctive Features of Arch Bridge
Arch action reduces bending moments
Economical as compared to equivalent straight simply supported
Girder or Truss bridge
Suitable; when site is a deep gorge with steep rocky banks.
Conventional curved arch rib has high Fabrication and Erection
costs.
Unlike girders, can be built from stones
Considered the most beautiful of bridge types
Used in the span range of up to 250m.
Distinctive Features of Suspension Bridge
The deck is hung from the
cable by Hangers constructed
of high strength ropes in tension
Cables are anchored at the
abutment, hence abutment
has to be massive
The main cable is stiffened
either by a pair of stiffening
trusses or by a system of girders
at the deck level.
This stiffening system serves to
control the aerodynamic
movements.
Distinctive Features of Suspension Bridge
Suspension bridge needs to have very strong main cables
The complete structure can be erected without intermediate
staging from the ground
It is the only alternative for spans over 600m, and it is generally
regarded as competitive for spans down to 3000m.
The height of the main towers can be a disadvantage in some
areas; for example, within the approach road for an airport.
Distinctive Features of Cable-Stayed Bridge
Cable-stayed bridge uses the pre-stressing principles
but the pre-stressing tendons are exposed/outside of
the beam
All the forces are transferred from the deck through the
cables to the tower/pylon
Roadway deck can be:
– (Prestressed) Concrete Box Deck
– Steel Box Deck
– Steel Truss Deck
Distinctive Features of Cable-Stayed Bridge
As compared with the stiffened suspension bridge, the cables are
straight rather than curved. As a result, the stiffness is greater
The cables are anchored to the deck and cause compressive forces in
the deck.
All individual cables are shorter than full length of the superstructure.
They are normally constructed of individual wire ropes, supplied
complete with end fittings, pre-stretched and not spun.
Aerodynamic stability has not been found to be a problem in
structures to date.
It is economical over 200-500m.
C. Construction and other function
C-1): According to inter-span relations:
➢ Simple: Independent spans; large B.M and S.F
➢ Continuous: Design moments are reduced; foundation
supported on good rock or differential settlement of
supports is eliminated.
➢ Cantilever/Balanced bridges: Slight differential settlements
under the pier or abutment are not detrimental.
C. Construction and other function
C-3): Method of connections
– Pin jointed
– Riveted or
– Welded
C. Construction
and other
function
C-4): According to road
level
• High level or
• Submersible
C. Construction
and other
function
C-5): According to the
method of clearance for
navigation
• High level
• Movable-bascule
• Movable swing or
transporter bridge
C. Construction and other function
C-6): According to duration of use and service
• Permanent
• temporary /Military (Bailey)
C. Construction and other function
C-7): According
to function
• Aqueduct
• Viaduct
• Pedestrian
• Highway
• Railway or pipe
bridges
C. Construction and other function
C-8): According to span length
• Culvert <= 6m
• Minor/Short span bridge 6m-60m
• Major/Medium span bridge >60m-150m
• Long span bridge >150m
C. Construction and other function
C-9): According to degree of redundancy
• Determinate or
• Indeterminate
SOME FAMOUS BRIDGES
SOME FAMOUS BRIDGES
SOME FAMOUS BRIDGES
SOME FAMOUS BRIDGES
Bridge Design
Selection of Bridge Type
Consider the followings:
• Span length
• Bridge length
• Beam spacing
• Material available
• Site conditions (foundations, height, space
constraints) Requirement for shipping
channel leads to long span bridge
Bridge Design
Selection of Bridge Type
Consider the followings:
• Speed of construction
• Constructability
• Technology/Equipment available
• Aesthetics
• Cost
• Access for maintenance
Bridge Design
Selection of Bridge Type
❖ Cost vs. Span Length
The span length may be influenced by the cost of
superstructure (cost/meter) and substructure
(cost/pier)
If the substructure cost is about 25% of total cost
shorter span is more cost-effective
If the substructure cost is about 50% of total cost
longer spans are more economical
