EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Road safety should be a factor that every municipality

considers in making road projects. Bridge designing was a

good idea if people got better access to education and

employment. The researchers conducted the study at the

municipality of Villareal in between two barangays; Brgy.

Sto. Niño and Brgy. San Rafael. It was found out that the

existing bridge does not have installed railings that

could lead to future accidents, and that the water level

reaches the abutment. It was also found out some of the

piers of the bridge have collapsed because of the absence

of strong piles that would support the whole structure.

Thus, the researchers aim to redevelop the bridge design

of the Canbuco Bridge to minimize road accidents and

provide safe and trustworthy roads to cross.

The proposed alternative bridge design given to the

problem is a Simple Span Bridge. The decision of choosing

the bridge design is based on the following factors which

are: purpose, site condition, bridge type, material

selection, safety, cost, environmental impact, and

aesthetic.

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INTRODUCTION

Currently, demand for transportation infrastructure is

growing along with the nation's population growth,

economic development, and urbanization. The ability to

trade between individuals is made possible by

transportation. A bridge is one of the most practical

pieces of transportation infrastructure since it allows

people to travel to different locations and connects

numerous locations within a single nation. It provides

critical access between rural areas and urban areas,

connecting people with jobs, goods with markets, and

people with essential services (Freeby, G. A., 2012).

Bridges are a critical component of a nation’s

infrastructure, making it possible to ship raw materials

and finished goods to factories, warehouses, suppliers,

distributors, stores, and end-consumers. Bridges also

facilitate travel so consumers can purchase goods and

services in their own communities and beyond. Bridges

increase cash flow when they join two places that

complement each other economically. It can have a

powerful impact when an area that has a large money

supply is connected to one that has goods or services to

sell or people who need work. The same is true when a

community that has raw materials gains easy access to

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another that has factories able to convert them into

salable goods (Masters, 2018).

Development is both a physical reality and a state of

mind in which society has through some combination of

social, economic and institutional process secured the

means of obtaining a better life (Todaro & Smith, 2006).

Infrastructure development has a key role to play in both

economic growth and poverty reduction. Physical

infrastructure refers to the basic physical structures

required for an economy to function and survive, such as

transportation networks, a power grid and sewerage and

waste disposal systems (Das, 2017).

In the Philippines, a new bridge linking two rural

communities in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija had been opened

to the public in the year 2021. DPWH-3 regional director

Roseller A. Tolentino said on Tuesday (July 13, 2021) the

two-lane Luyos-Buliran Bridge has reduced travel time

from Barangay Luyos from Barangay Buliran to only 15

minutes from the previous one hour. (Tecson, 2021).

This is likewise similar for the residents of San Rafael

and San Antonio, municipality of Villareal, Samar (See

Figure 1) who live on either side of a river and can only

access other towns by boat or over the built concrete

bridge which was created in the year 2019 due to its

inconvenience especially when it is low tide and to

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lessen the burden of transportation. The municipality has

a land area of 98.54 square kilometers or 38.05 square

miles which constitutes 1.63% of Samar's total area. Its

population as determined by the 2020 Census was 27,394 of

which 687 and 797 of this population is from San Rafael,

and Santo Niño, respectively. (PhilAtlas, 1990).

Figure 1: Satellite View of the Municipality of Villareal,

Samar
Source: https://earth.google.com/web/search/villareal+samar

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Figure 2: Satellite View of Canbuco Bridge, Villareal,
Samar
Source: https://earth.google.com/web/search/villareal+samar

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However, the researchers’ found out that the constructed

bridge in the area does not have installed railing. In

addition, the researchers also ascertain that the level

of water reaches the abutment of the present bridge which

leads the researchers to propose a bridge development

design with accordance to the existing design.

Figure 3: Actual image of the existing bridge without

railings.
Source: Alyssa Mae A. Donaire

Figure 4: Actual image of the existing bridge.

Source: Alyssa Mae A. Donaire

TARGET PROJECT IDENTIFICATION

A bridge is a structure that spans a physical obstacle,

such as a river, valley, or roadway, to connect two

areas. Bridges are designed to support weight, such as

vehicles, pedestrians, and cargo, and are essential to

modern transportation and infrastructure. They provide

safe and efficient transportation routes, connect

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communities, and facilitate economic growth. Without

bridges, many areas would be inaccessible or would

require long detours, making transportation and trade

difficult.

Researchers have noted that the actual Villareal

bridge structure may be subject to collapse due to its

unstable condition and two of its piers have collapsed,

and the highest water level exceeds the bridge abutment.

In relation to that, the researchers will suggest an

upgrade design using STAAD, that will greatly aid in

providing a more secure and robust mode of transit for

the community.

PROJECT NEEDS

The following are the project needs for the bridge

development design:

 Technical documents of the existing bridge.

 STAAD Software for the materials for the bridge and

its design.

 Cost Estimation for the materials of the bridge

ANALYSIS OF CASE

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The researchers will redesign the existing bridge

structure design of Villareal, Samar connecting Brgy. San

Rafael and Brgy. Sto. Nino with the aid of Structural

Analysis and Design (STAAD) software, which can produce a

safer bridge that is strong and considers its aesthetic

design and satisfies all functionality requirements, at a

cost that is acceptable to the local government.

KEY ISSUES/GOALS

During the conduct of survey to the said location of the

existing bridge in Villareal, the researchers’ found out

that the actual construction of the bridge does not have

railings which is a potential cause for accidents. It was

also seen during the survey that two of its piers had

collapsed. Thus, the researchers aim to provide an

amelioration of the bridge’s structural design in order

to provide a more safe and durable bridge for the people

of the two barangays as a means of their platform for

transportation.

DECISION CRITERIA

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The criteria for redesigning the bridge are based on the

following factors: Purpose, site condition, bridge type,

material selection, safety, cost, and aesthetic.

1. Purpose: Identify the purpose of the bridge, such as

for pedestrians, vehicles, or trains, and determine the

required load capacity and clearance height.

2. Site Condition: Access the site condition, including

the topography, soil characteristics, water depth, and

existing structures.

3. Bridge Type: Choose the appropriate bridge type based

on the site conditions and the purpose of the bridge,

such as a beam bridge, simple span bridge, cable-stayed

bridge, or truss bridge.

4. Material Selection: Select the appropriate materials

for the bridge, such as concrete, steel or timber, based

on the site condition, load requirements, and

environmental factors.

5. Safety: Ensure the safety of the bridge by designing

it to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high

wind, floods, or earthquakes.

6. Cost: Consider the budget and life cycle cost of the

bridge, including construction, maintenance, and repair.

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7. Environmental Impact: Minimize the environmental

impact of the bridge by considering factors such as

erosion control, water quality and wildlife habitat.

8. Aesthetic: Consider the visual impact of the bridge on

the surrounding landscape and design it to be

aesthetically pleasing.

ASSUMPTIONS

The researchers assume to design a bridge that supports

the maximum expected load that it will experience during

its lifetime. The bridge is assumed to be constructed of

materials that are capable of withstanding the loads that

will be placed on it, properly maintained over its

lifetime to ensure that it continues to function as

intended, assuming to be designed to withstand the

maximum expected environmental loads, such as wind,

earthquakes, and floods. Also, The Bridge is assumed to

be designed to accommodate thermal expansion and

contraction. In addition, the researcher assumed to be

designed to accommodate any expected movements or

settlement of the foundation or soil.

DATA ANALYSIS

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The Canbuco Bridge has 201 meters of its length that

connects Brgy. Sto Niño and Brgy. San Rafael, Villareal,

Samar. It is the only way to have an easy access to other

places. There are many different kinds of transportation

passing through this bridge in transporting goods and

services, helps the economy of the municipality to

develop, and have a better access to education and

employment. Many vehicles are passing through the road

every time of the day where it is very dangerous to cross

the bridge because the quality of it did not pass its

criteria to the standard-type kind of bridge.

The problem was given a simple span bridge alternative

(See Appendix A). The span of the bridge which is 201 m

is formed by a physically separate superstructure. The

overall cost of the Single Span Bridge design, is Php

7,205,023.45. Shown in Appendix B is the estimated final

cost for the Single Span Bridge.

PREFERED ALTERNATIVE WITH RATIONALE

Alternative 1: If Alternative A (Single Span Bridge) is

selected for this case study, to whom it may concern, the

researchers will move forward after receiving approval

and complete the project at the lowest possible cost.

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Alternative 2: To whom it may concern for this case study

decides to recast the bridge designs, the panelists, case

study adviser may recommend the design of the bridge and

its possibilities, and the researchers will choose what's

the best bridge design to continue the approval of the

project.

JUSTIFICATION/PREDICTED OUTCOME

Using the criteria provided by the researcher, the simple

span bridge ascertains the safety and durability of its

structure provided that the following data obtained were

based adhering to the minimum standards indicated in the

NSCP of the Philippines. The researchers predict that the

bridge will be able to carry maximum loads of a two-

wheeled vehicle and provides more safety compared to the

existing bridge.

CONCLUSION

With the analysis made by the researcher, and the

consideration of various factors, such as the site’s

location, the bridge’s purpose and function, the

materials used, and taking into consideration the

loadings as well, the redesigned bridge is an ideal

solution to the existing problem of Canbuco bridge.

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Moreover, the researchers decided to increase the height

of the bridge as the water level reaches the abutment of

the existing bridge. It is prominent that the elevation

of the bridge becomes smaller because of lack of pile

support that leads to the water level to reach the

abutment.

The developed bridge design is expected to last long as

the materials used are best of quality to assure its

durability and other criteria were considered by

researchers to ensure its performance. Thus, creating a

safer bridge for the people of both barangays.

REFERENCES

B, B. (2023, January 12). Concrete Works Price List 2022

- CostConMat. CostConMat.

https://costconmat.com/concrete-works-price-list-

2022/

Billington, D. P., Shirley-Smith, H., & Billington, P. N.

(2023, February 10). Bridge | History, Design,

Types, Parts, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/bridge-

engineering

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Das, R. C. (2017). Handbook of Research on Economic,

Financial, and Industrial Impacts on Infrastructure

Development. IGI Global.

Freeby, G. A. (2012). Bridge Project Development Manual.

Masters, B. (2018, March 16). The Positive Economic

Impacts of Bridges - Bridge Masters. Bridge Masters.

https://bridgemastersinc.com/positive-economic-

impacts-bridges/

Tecson, Z. (2021, July 13). New bridge linking 2 rural

communities opens in Nueva Ecija. Philippine News

Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146896

Todaro, M. P., & Smith, S. C. (2006). Economic

Development. Addison-Wesley.

Villareal, Samar Profile – PhilAtlas. (1990, May 1).

https://www.philatlas.com/visayas/r08/samar/villarea

l.html

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APPENDIX A

1. Villareal Vicinity Map

Figure 1: Satellite View of the Municipality of Villareal,

Samar 17 | P a g e
Source: https://earth.google.com/web/search/villareal+samar
 2. Canbuco Bridge

Figure 2: Satellite View of Canbuco Bridge, Villareal,

Samar
Source: https://earth.google.com/web/search/villareal+samar

Figure 3: Actual image of the existing bridge without

railings.
Source: Alyssa Mae A. Donaire

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 Figure 4: Actual image of the existing bridge.
Source: Alyssa Mae A. Donaire

3.1 Simple Span Bridge Design Using STAAD

Figure 5: Right Side View of the Bridge Design

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 Figure 6: 3D Rendering View of the Bridge Design

3.2 Abutment of the Bridge

Figure 7: Right Side Abutment Design

Figure 8: Left Side Abutment Design

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3.3 Railings of the Bridge

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 3.4 Materials of the Bridge

Figure 9: Structural View of the Bridge Railings

Figure 10: Materials of the Designed Bridge

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APPENDIX B

1. Volume of Concrete Member in cubic meters.

Concrete Width Length Height No. of Volume

Member (m) (m) (m) Member (m¿¿ 3)¿

1 Column 0.50 0.83 4.85 52 91.72

2 Footing 1.50 5 0.30 26 58.50

3 Slab 5 201 0.30 1 301.50

4 Girder 0.40 201 0.50 2 96.48

5 Beam 0.40 201 0.60 2 96.48

6 Railings 0.11 0.83 1.70 328 50.91

7 Pier Cap 5 0.30 0.20 1 0.30

Radius Height No. of

(m) (m) Member

8 Pile 0.40 12 104 627.31

2. Concrete Proportion

Class Mixture: AA

Proportion (Cement: Sand: Gravel): 12.0: 0.50: 1.0

Probable Strength after 28 days: 4000-3500 psi

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 Cement
Concrete Volume Sand Gravel
(40 kg)
Member (m¿¿ 3)¿ cu.m. cu.m.
bag

1 Column 91.72 1100.64 45.86 91.72

2 Footing 58.50 702 29.25 58.50

3 Slab 301.50 3618 150.75 301.50

4 Girder 96.48 1157.76 48.24 96.48

5 Beam 96.48 1157.76 48.24 96.48

6 Railings 50.91 610.92 25.46 50.91

7 Pier Cap 0.30 3.6 0.15 0.030

8 Pile 627.31 7527.72 313.66 627.31

3. Simple Span Bridge Cost Estimate

ITEM
ITEMS QUANTITY UNIT COST/UNIT COST
NO.

SLAB

(CLASS
1
MIXTURE

“A”)

CEMENT 3618 Bags ₱245.00 ₱886,410.00

SAND 150.75 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱173,362.50

GRAVEL 301.5 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱581,895.00

2 RAILINGS

(CLASS

MIXTURE

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 “A”)

CEMENT 610.92 Bags ₱245.00 ₱149,675.40

SAND 25.46 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱29,279.00

GRAVEL 50.91 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱98,256.30

GIRDER

(CLASS
3
MIXTURE

“A”)

CEMENT 1157.76 Bags ₱245.00 ₱283,651.20

SAND 48.24 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱55,476.00

GRAVEL 96.48 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱186,206.00

BEAM

(CLASS
4
MIXTURE

“A”)

CEMENT 1157.76 Bags ₱245.00 ₱283,651.20

SAND 48.24 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱55,476.00

GRAVEL 96.48 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱186,206.40

COLUMN

(CLASS
5
MIXTURE

“AA”)

CEMENT 1104.56 Bags ₱245.00 ₱270,617.00

SAND 46.02 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱52,923.00

GRAVEL 92.05 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱177,656.50

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 FOOTING

(CLASS
6
MIXTURE

“AA”)

CEMENT 702 Bags ₱245.00 ₱171,990.00

SAND 29.25 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱33,637.50

GRAVEL 58.5 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱112,905.00

PILES

(CLASS
7
MIXTURE

“AA”)

CEMENT 7527.81 Bags ₱245.00 ₱1,844,313.45

SAND 313.66 Cu.m ₱1,150.00 ₱360,709.00

GRAVEL 627.32 Cu.m ₱1,930.00 ₱1,210,727.00

TOTAL: ₱7,205,023.45

STEEL TUBE (450mmX250mm) FOOTING REBARS (32mm)

PILE REBARS

SLAB REBARS (24mm diameter) 32mm diameter, 11.040m

16mm diameter, 13.248m

COLUMN REBARS (32mm diameter) `

12.972m & 16mm diameter, 816m

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