CONCRETE BRIDGE

DESIGN

Krishna Raj Adhikari

MSc (Structural Engineering)
Department of Roads, Bridge Branch
Introduction : Bridges
❑Bridges are elevated transportation structures
spanning across some obstacle.
❑They provide passage for pedestrians,
vehicles, pipelines, etc. The obstacles can be
rivers, valleys, roads, railways, etc.
❑Bridges play an important part in urban,
social, cultural and economic development of
a region.

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Importance of Bridge

▪ Road or railway traffic can run uninterrupted during monsoon

▪ Saving time and fuel.
▪ It improves the aesthetic of a road.
▪ Distance between two places can be reduced.
▪ Agriculture products, industrial products, and raw materials can reach the industries
quickly which helps in the economic development of the area.
▪ Construction of a bridge on railway alignment at level crossing reduces the number
of accidents.
▪ Bridges are important from a strategic and security point of view.
 Contents
▪ Introduction road bridges
▪ Fundamental of bridge design
▪ Hydrological study of bridge site
▪ Geotechnical investigation,
▪ general arrangement drawing
▪ Loading on bridges and load combinations
▪ Principal of prestressing
▪ Design of prestressed concrete bridge
▪ Bridge bearings and expansion joints
▪ Bridge condition assessment, repair and
maintenance
▪ Introduction to computer software and modeling
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Components of bridges

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 Superstructure

Bearing

Substructure

Well Foundation

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 Components of Bridges

A bridge structure mainly divided into three parts

Superstructure : Superstructure is the portion of the bridge above the
bearings which directly supports the pedestrians, vehicles and ocher
loads passing over it. It consists Girders, Cables, Railing, Footpath,
Carriageway etc.
Substructure : Substruccure is the part of the bridge below the bearings
that supports the superstructure and transfers all forces to the ground.
They consist of piers, abutments, wing walls , bearings.
Foundation: the component designed to carry the total loads of bridge
from superstructure, substructure through piers and abutments.

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 A bridge is a structure provided in railway , highway, footway
and service way over intersection of roads, rivers, streams,
lakes etc for smooth crossing of trains, vehicles , people and
Bridge utility services.

Components of
Bridge
Superstructure

Bearing

Substructure

Appurtenances and Site related

Structures

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 Superstructure
The structural components above the level of bearing are classed as superstructure.
Superstructure provides base for moving vehicles, trains and pedestrians.

Wearing surface
The wearing surface is that portion of deck, which resists traffic wear. In most instances
this is a separate layer made of bituminous material.
Deck
The deck is the physical extension of the roadway across the obstruction to be bridged.
In most instances this is a Reinforced Concrete Slab.
Primary members
Primary members are those, which distribute bridge loads longitudinally. Primary
members consists of beam, truss, arch or frame.
Secondary members
Secondary members are bracingbetween primary members help
to distribute loads transversely
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 Substructure
The structural components below the bearing level are classed as substructure.
Substructure provides support for superstructure and transfers the load from
superstructure to the soil. It consists of abutments, piers and foundations.
Abutment
Abutment is end support of bridge,
which retains earth and provide
support for superstructure.
Pier
Pier is an intermediate support of
bridge , which provides support for
superstructure.

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Footing/foundation
Footing/foundation are structures,
which support the piers and abutments
and transfer loads from pier and
abutment to the subsoil.

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Bearing
The mechanical device placed between superstructure and substructure to transmit vertical and horizontal
load to substructure, allowing some translational and translational and rotational movements.

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 Appurtenancesand site related structures
Appurtenances is the part of a bridge or bridge site, which are non structural
components and serve in the overall functionality of the structure

Embankment and slope protection structure

Structures which provide proper drainage ,
control erosion and increase aesthetics of bridge.

Approach slab
Slab, which provides smooth transition of loads
from flexible road surface to rigid bridge
surface.

River training structure

Structure, which guide and regulate the river
course in desired direction and protects bridge
substructures 5 13
River Training

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 Classification of Bridges

Bridges can be classified based on

1. Superstructure,
2. Length of bridge,
3. Function,
4. Method of construction,
5. Location of highest flood level,
6. Type of loading,
7. Service
8. Number of lanes.

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 1. Classification according to Superstructure

(a) Materials of construction: On (b) Relative elevation of bridge deck:

the basis of the materials used As per this, bridges are classified as
for constructing the follows:
superstructure, bridges are ❖ Deck bridge
classified as
❖concrete bridges, ❖ Through bridge and
❖steel bridges, ❖ Half-through bridge
❖masonry bridges, When the supporting elements like trusses,
❖timber bridges, girders, arches, etc., are below the bridge
❖aluminium bridges, deck, then the bridge is known as a deck
❖composite bridges, etc. bridge. In the case of a through bridge , the
deck is below the supporting structure. In
some cases, the deck is located at the 18
middle of the supporting structure. These
Classification based on relative
elevation of bridge deck.
(a) Deck bridge.
(b) Through bridge.
(c) Half-through bridge.

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(c) Form of superstructure: On the basis of form and type of superstructure,
bridges are classified as :
❖Slab bridges: A slab bridge is the simplest form of bridge superstructure. It consists
of a reinforced concrete (RC) slab of constant thickness . As the span increases, the
required thickness to resist the bending moment increases leading to an increase in
self-weight. To reduce the self weight, the slab can be prestressed. Alternatively,
voids can be introduced. Such bridges are called voided slab bridges
❖Beam and slab bridges: This type of bridge superstructure consists of a number of
longitudinal girders spanning between the piers/abutments with a slab spanning
transversely at the top. The longitudinal girders can be made either using cast in
situ concrete (tee beam) or by using precast concrete beams (I beam). The
longitudinal girders are interconnected by a system of cross beams. Sometimes,
this type of superstructure is constructed using rolled steel sections for longitudinal
girders with concrete slab at the top of beam. Such bridges are called composite
bridges
❖Box girder bridges: For larger spans, it is preferred to use box sections (single cell or
multi cell. Due to closed box section, these types of bridges will have very high
torsional rigidity.
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Cross-section of slab
bridge. (a) Solid slab. (b) Types of beam and slab
Voided slab. bridges.
(a) Tee beam bridge.
(b) Bridge using precast
girder (I beam).
(c) Bridge using rolled
steel beams and
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concrete slab.
❖ Arch bridges: The advantage of an arch bridge is that vertical loads cause
predominantly compressive stresses in the structure and the arch is made
using materials that can withstand these stresses. The compressive force in the
arch develops large horizontal reaction at the supports. Hence the abutments
of the arch bridge should be founded on strong foundation that can resist this
reaction . If good soil condition is not available, then the arch should be tied
using tie beams to take the horizontal force.
❖Truss bridges: A truss bridge consists of two planar trusses interconnected
using cross beams and lateral bracings so as to form a three-dimensional truss
that can resist loads.
❖Integral bridges: The major problem with the expansion joints in the
superstructure is that they are prone to leaking. Through these joints, water
reaches the piers and abutments and causes rusting of reinforcement.
Nowadays, designers do away with expansion joints and bearings by directly
connecting the superstructure with the piers and abutments. These types of
bridges are called integral bridges

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Suspension and Concrete Arch
Bridge 24
Box girder
bridge
(a) Single
cell
(b) Multicell

Integral bridge
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Truss Bridge

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Truss Bridge..

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Concrete Arch Bridge

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Cable Stayed Bridge

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Balanced Cantilever

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❖Cable stayed bridges: A cable-stayed bridge consists of supporting towers from
which the cable support the bridge deck
❖Extradosed Bridge: An extradosed bridge employs a structure that is frequently
described as a cross between a girder bridge and a cable-stayed bridge. The
name comes from the French word extradossé, which is derived from the word
extrados. Extrados is defined as the exterior curve of an arch.
❖Suspension bridges: A suspension bridge consists of two main cables from which
the deck (stiffened girder) is suspended using secondary cables (suspenders).

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Suspension bridge

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Cable-stayed bridge

Extradosed Bridge 36
(d) Alignment of bridge deck:
On the basis of alignment,
bridges are classified as
❖straight bridges or right
bridges
❖skewed bridges
❖curved bridges
(e) Support conditions for Simply supported bridges are used only for smaller
superstructure: On the basis ofspans. Continuous bridges are advantageous only
support conditions, bridges for spans more than 35 m. Cantilever and balanced
are classified as cantilever bridges are constructed for the span
❖ simply supported bridges, range of 35 to 60 m. In rigid frame or integral
❖ continuous bridges, bridges , the superstructure is integrally connected
❖ cantilever bridges, with the substructure. These types of bridges resist
❖ balanced cantilever bridges, the loads by means of frame action. In cable-
❖ rigid frame or integral supported bridges, the bridge deck is supported
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bridges using cables. Cable-stayed and suspension bridges
Classification based on
support condition.
(a) Simply supported bridge
(b) Continuous bridge.
(c) Cantilever bridge.
(d) Balanced cantilever
bridge. 38
(f) Method of clearance for navigation / Movable bridges:
Movable bridges are bridges designed to move to allow traffic in waterways. They
are of four types, namely
❖ Bascule bridge,
❖ Swing bridge,
❖ Vertical-lift bridge
❖ Floating or barge bridge.
Bascule bridges can be rotated about a horizontal axis at one end or both ends of
the bridge deck. Swing bridges can be rotated about a vertical axis to swing
sideways for the movement of traffic. The vertical-lift bridges can be lifted vertically
upwards for the free passage of traffic. A floating bridge is a barge or a floating part
of the bridge deck that can be floated out of the way for the passage of water traffic
/ Navigation.

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2. On the basis of length of bridge:
On the basis of length, the bridge structure can be classified as
❖Culverts
❖Bridges
(IRC:5) Indian Road Congress
(a) Culvert: If the length of the bridge structure is ≤ 6 m
(b) Bridge: A bridge is a structure having length more than 6 m.
❑ Bridges of length up to 60m are known as minor bridges.
❑ For length more than 60 m, the bridges are called major
bridges. If the is ≥150 m, then the bridges are called long-span
bridges.
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 2. On the basis of length of bridge:
(NEPAL BRIDGE STANDARDS-2067 re 2073)
Classification of bridges shall be as follows:
❖ Culvert : Length up to 6 m
❖Minor Bridge : When length ≤ 50 m (with span ≤ 25 m )
❖Major Bridge : When span >25 m or length >50 m(with smaller spans)
❖Special Bridge : Bridges that require special design considerations, whose
construction features (e.g. concrete girder bridges with >50m span, steel trusses
with span > 100m span, arch bridges, suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges
and other non standard bridges).

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 3. On the basis of function:
The bridges are classified based on the function or purpose for which it is designed. The
bridges are classified as
(a) road bridges
(b) railway bridges
(c) road- railway bridges
(d) pedestrian bridges
(e) aqueducts
(f) viaducts
(g) pipeline bridges
Road bridges are designed for vehicle loads, pedestrian loads and other loads. Railway
bridges are designed for rail and road traffic. A rail-road bridge is designed as a double-
deck bridge for both road and railway loads. Viaducts are rail or road bridges over a valley.
Some bridges are designed for loads other than road or rail loads like pedestrian bridges,
aqueducts (canal over a river or valley), pipeline bridges, etc.
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Aqueduct
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 4 . On the basis of method of construction:
On the basis of the technology used for
construction, bridges are classified as :
(a) Cast in situ concrete bridges: In this type of
construction, bridges are constructed using in
situ concrete.
(b) Precast concrete bridges: The bridges that
are made using precast concrete members are
known as precast concrete bridges.
(c) Bridges constructed using span-by-span
casting method: This type of construction is Span-by-span casting
used for multi-span bridges having span up to method
60 m. This method of construction usually
makes use of in situ concrete and construction
is carried out one span at a time by making use
of temporary formwork. After the construction of
a span, the formwork is moved forward span-by- 44
 4 . On the basis of method of construction:
(d) Bridges constructed using balanced cantilever method: When the region below
the bridge is difficult to access, the bridge cannot be constructed using formworks
supported by props. In such cases, the bridges can be constructed using balanced
cantilever method. This construction procedure makes use of either in situ concrete
or precast segments of bridge deck and is adopted for presrressed concrete
bridges. To begin with, all the piers and abutments are constructed. Then from each
pier, the bridge is constructed in both directions. Hence at any time, the pier is
stable and hence balanced. The construction is continued till the segments from
two piers meet and the segments are connected together. At each stage, the
segments are tied to the piers by prestressing tendons.
(e) Bridges constructed using incremental launch method: In this method of
construction, a long segment of the deck is cast behind the abutment. Then this
segment is pushed forward towards the first pier using hydraulic jacks so as to
complete the first span. After this, the next segment is cast behind the first segment
and the process is continued t ill the complete bridge is constructed.

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 Incremental launch method of
construction

Order of placing segments in

balanced cantilever method

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5. ON THE BASIS OF LOCATION OF 7. ON THE BASIS OF THE SERVICE TO
HIGHEST FLOOD LEVEL: BE PUT TO: ACCORDING TO THE
NATURE OF SERVICE AND
The bridges are classified depending DURATION OF use, the bridges are classif
upon the formation level of bridge related
to the highest flood level as ❖ Permanent,

❖high-level or non-submersible bridges ❖ Temporary

❖ Military bridges.
❖submersible bridges
8. ON THE BASIS OF THE NUMBER OF
6. ON THE BASIS OF TYPE OF LANES: BASED on the number of lanes for
LOADING: which the bridges are designed, the bridges
The road bridges may be categorized are classified as
according to the loads which they are ❖ Single lane,
designed
❖ Multi lane Bridge ( Two lane, Three lane
❖IRC Loading Bridge : Class A, Class B, etc.)
Class 70R and Class AA
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 Selection of the Type of Bridge
The important factors to be
considered for selection of type of
bridge are
I. Topography of the area
II. Hydrological data (high flood
level, low water level, etc.)
III. Soil condition
IV. Navigation requirements
(horizontal and vertical
clearance)
V. Traffic volume
VI. Method of construction
VII. Time available for construction 48
 rough guide to the useful span ranges of various types of
deck
Span Superstructure Deck Type
Up to 20m • Insitu reinforced concrete.
• Insitu prestressed post-tensioned concrete.
• Prestressed pre-tensioned inverted T beams with insitu fill.
16m to 30m • Insitu reinforced concrete voided slab.
• Insitu prestressed post-tensioned concrete voided slab.
• Prestressed pre-tensioned beams with insitu slab.
• Prestressed pre-tensioned box beams with insitu topping.
• Prestressed post-tensioned beams with insitu slab.
• Steel beams with insitu slab
30m to 40m • Prestressed pre-tensioned beams with insitu slab.
• Prestressed pre-tensioned box beams with insitu topping.
• Prestressed post-tensioned beams with insitu slab.
• Steel beams with insitu slab
30m to 300m • Box girder bridges - As the span increases the construction tends to go from 'all
concrete' to 'steel box / concrete deck' to 'all steel'.
• Truss bridges - for spans up to 50m they are generally less economic than plate
girders.
150m to 1000m Cable stayed bridges.
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350m to ? Suspension bridges
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Continuous Plate Girder
(Superstructure)

Pier (Substructure)

Viaduc 51
t
Net work Arch

Arch Cable

Deck

Superstructure
Arch Section
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Network Arch Bridge

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Components of Bridge - Arch

Crown

Railing
Arch Rib Extradosed
Bridge

Spandrel

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Three Hinged
Arch

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Suspension bridge

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 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, main span
2023 m, Turkey

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge Central span

1991 m

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Suspension (2028 BS)
Fixed end arch (20+120+20 m) 2074 BS
Along PRM (Prithwi Rajmarg ) at Mugling Nepal 59
Cable Stayed

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 Karnali Cable stayed
Bridge, Nepal

Millau Viaduct (Bridge), France

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Steel Truss
Bridge

Ramdi Bridge, Nepal (Steel truss,

through type) 62
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Summary Main Components of
Bridge
▪ Superstructure
Superstructure Protective / River
• Deck ▪ Substructure training
• Kerb • Bank and bed
▪ Foundation
• Expansion Joint lining
• Railing / guard ▪ Protective / River training • Side Revetment
rail • Solid Concrete
• Drainage spout Substructure Foundation
• Abutment Approne
• Ornamental works • Shallow / Open
• Pier • Bed Pitching
• Deep
• Bearing • Cut off wall
• Well
• Wing wall • Toe Wall
• Pile
• Return wall • Lunching Apron
• Approach • Guide Bund
slab
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Thank You

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