NAME : RONAK RATHOD

SUB : A.B.C.M
SEM : 9TH

ARCH BRIDGES
An arch bridge is a bridge with abutments at each end shaped as a curved arch. Arch bridges
work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust
restrained by the abutments at either side. A viaduct (a long bridge) may be made from a series
of arches, although other more economical structures are typically used today.

 TYPES OF ARCH BRIDGE

• Corbel arch bridge
• Aqueducts and canal viaducts
• Deck arch bridge
• Through arch bridge
• Tied-arch bridge

 CORBEL ARCH BRIDGE

The corbel arch bridge is a masonry, or stone, bridge where each successively higher
course (layer) cantilevers slightly more than the previous course. The steps of the masonry
may be trimmed to make the arch have a rounded shape. The corbel arch does not produce
thrust, or outward pressure at the bottom of the arch, and is not considered a true arch. It
is more stable than a true arch because it does not have this thrust. The disadvantage is
that this type of arch is not suitable for large spans.

 AQUEDUCTS AND CANAL VIADUCTS

In some locations it is necessary to span a wide gap at a relatively high elevation, such as
when a canal or water supply must span a valley. Rather than building extremely large
arches, or very tall supporting columns (difficult using stone), a series of arched structures
are built one atop another, with wider structures at the base. Roman civil engineers
developed the design and constructed highly refined structures using only simple
materials, equipment, and mathematics. This type is still used in canal viaducts and
roadways as it has a pleasing shape, particularly when spanning water, as the reflections
of the arches form a visual impression of circles or ellipses.
 DECK ARCH BRIDGE
This type of bridge comprises an arch where the deck is completely above the arch. The
area between the arch and the deck is known as the spandrel. If the spandrel is solid, usually
the case in a masonry or stone arch bridge, the bridge is called a closed-spandrel deck arch
bridge. If the deck is supported by a number of vertical columns rising from the arch, the
bridge is known as an open-spandrel deck arch bridge. The Alexander Hamilton Bridge is
an example of an open-spandrel arch bridge. Finally, if the arch supports the deck only at
the top of the arch, the bridge is called a cathedral arch bridge.

 THROUGH ARCH BRIDGE

This type of bridge has an arch whose base is at or below the deck, but whose top rises
above it, so the deck passes through the arch. The central part of the deck is supported by
the arch via suspension cables or tie bars, as with a tied-arch bridge. The ends of the bridge
may be supported from below, as with a deck arch bridge. Any part supported from arch
below may have spandrels that are closed or open.
 TIED-ARCH BRIDGE
Also known as a bowstring arch, this type of arch bridge incorporates a tie between two
opposite ends of the arch. The tie is usually the deck and is capable of withstanding the
horizontal thrust forces which would normally be exerted on the abutments of an arch
bridge.
The deck is suspended from the arch. The arch is in compression, in contrast to a
suspension bridge where the catenary is in tension. A tied-arch bridge can also be a through
arch bridge.

 USE OF MODERN MATERIALS

Most modern arch bridges are made from reinforced concrete. This type of bridge is
suitable where a temporary centring may be erected to support the forms, reinforcing steel,
and uncured concrete. When the concrete is sufficiently set the forms and falseworks are
then removed. It is also possible to construct a reinforced concrete arch from precast
concrete, where the arch is built in two halves which are then leaned against each other.
Many modern bridges, made of steel or reinforced concrete, often bear some of their load
by tension within their structure. This reduces or eliminates the horizontal thrust against
the abutments and allows their construction on weaker ground. Structurally and
analytically they are not true arches but rather a beam with the shape of an arch. See truss
arch bridge for more on this type.
A modern evolution of the arch bridge is the long-span through arch bridge. This has been
made possible by the use of light materials that are strong in tension such as steel and
prestressed concrete.

 ADVANTAGES OF SIMPLE MATERIALS

Stone, brick and other such materials are strong in compression and somewhat so in shear,
but cannot resist much force in tension. As a result, masonry arch bridges are designed to
be constantly under compression, so far as is possible. Each arch is constructed over a
temporary falsework frame, known as a centring. In the first compression arch bridges, a
keystone in the middle of the bridge bore the weight of the rest of the bridge. The more
weight that was put onto the bridge, the stronger its structure became. Masonry arch
bridges use a quantity of fill material (typically compacted rubble) above the arch in order
to increase this dead-weight on the bridge and prevent tension from occurring in the arch
ring as loads move across the bridge. Other materials that were used to build this type of
bridge were brick and unreinforced concrete. When masonry (cut stone) is used the angles
of the faces are cut to minimize shear forces. Where random masonry (uncut and
unprepared stones) is used they are mortared together and the mortar is allowed to set
before the falsework is removed.
Traditional masonry arches are generally durable, and somewhat resistant to settlement or
undermining. However, relative to modern alternatives, such bridges are very heavy,
requiring extensive foundations. They are also expensive to build wherever labor costs are
high.

 CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
Where the arches are founded in a watercourse bed (on piers or banks) the water is diverted
so the gravel can first be excavated and replaced with a good footing (of strong material).
From these, the foundation piers areerected/raised to the height of the intended base of the
arches, a point known as the springing.
Falsework centering (in British English: arch frame) is fabricated, typically from timbers
and boards. Since each arch of a multi-arch bridge will impose a thrust upon its neighbors,
it is necessary either that all arches of the bridge be raised at the same time, or that very
wide piers be used. The thrust from the end arches is taken into the earth by substantial
(vertical) footings at the canyon walls, or by large inclined planes forming in a sense ramps
to the bridge, which may also be formed of arches.
The several arches are (or single arch is) constructed over the centering. Once each basic
arch barrel is constructed, the arches are (or arch is) stabilized with infill masonry above,
which may be laid in horizontal running bond courses (layers). These may form two outer
walls, known as the spandrels, which are then infilled with appropriate loose material and
rubble.
The road is paved and parapet walls protectively confine traffic to the bridge.