CE 417: Design of Bridges ( 2 units)

Presenter: Mr. Jabiri Said

Assessment: 2 Tests + 2 Assignments = 30%
 contents
Introduction to Bridges
Bridge loads and load Analysis
Design and detailing of Superstructure
Design of substructure
Design of bridge foundations
Principles of Bridge Maintenance
1.0 Introduction to Bridges

Definition of a bridge
Types of bridges
Selection of Bridges
Bridge components
Bridge codes/specifications
1.1 What is a bridge?
A bridge is a structure to carry loads over a depression
or obstruction.
These includes rivers, valleys, roads or highways.
It is a key element in transportation system as it controls
both volumes and weight of the traffic.
It is also expensive element in transportation system.
1.2 Types of bridges
 Function (usage) – Highway, Railway, pedestrians,
pipelines etc.
 Materials used – Timber, masonry, steel, concrete, pre
stressed concrete , composite bridges etc.
 Structural form – slabs, beams, truss, arches, cable
stayed or suspension bridges.
 Span length – culverts (<8m), minor bridges ( 8 to 30m),
major bridges (30 to 120m) or long span bridges (>
120m).
 Position of the deck- Deck, half through, through bridges
Truss bridge
ARCH BRIDGE
Cable stayed
suspension
Deck truss bridge
 1.3 Criteria for selection of bridges
Geological conditions
Road approach characteristics
Hydrological data
 1.3.1 Geological conditions
 The foundation soil on the site determines type of
abutments and piers to be used such as spread footing,
driven piles or drilled shafts.
 The potential for seismic activity at a site should also be a
part of the subsurface investigation. If seismicity is high,
the substructure details will change, affecting the
superstructure loads as well
 Drainage conditions below the ground influence the
magnitude of earth pressure and stability of cut or fill.
1.3.2 Road Approach Characteristics
 The bridges is designed to carry present and future
volumes of traffic.
 Dictates the no. of lanes, need for side walks or bike
paths, whether width of a bridge include medians,
drainage of surface runoff and wearing surface.
 1.3.3 Hydrological data
 River characteristics influences the dimensions of the
bridges.
 These bridge dimensions include height of bridge piers,
abutments etc.
 The bridge must continue to function during periods of
high water and not impose severe constriction to flow of
water or debris.
Debris
 1.4 Bridge Componenets
 Superstructure
Decks
Beams/Girders
Bearings

 Substructure
Piers
Abutments
Foundations
Parts of a bridge
Parts of a bridge
 1.4.1 Decks
 Part of bridge to which live loads applied and transmit to
members below it
 .Provides a smooth and safe riding surface for traffic utilizing
the bridge.
 Materials commonly used are timber, concrete or steel.
 Wearing course is applied on top to protect it from
weathering agents and effects of vehicular traffic.
 1.4.2 Girders/ Beams
 Mainly consists of floor system and main supporting
members.
 Floor system may consists of longitudinal (main) girders.
Cross girders (stringers) or diaphragms
 Transmit loads to the substructure.
 1.4.3 Bearings
 Provides an interface between superstructure and
substructure.
 Functions:
Transmit loads to the substructure
Permit longitudinal movements of superstructure due to
thermal expansion and contraction
Allow rotations caused by loads deflections.
 Bearings can be fixed (do not allow translational movement)
or expansion (allow both displacement and rotation)
 Types of bearing are sliding plate, roller, rocker, elastomaric
etc.
Roller parts
 1.4.3 Abutments

 Provides supports to the ends of a superstructure.

 Also retain roadway approach embankments.
Bridge seat
backwall

stem

footing
abutments
1.4.4 Piers
Provides intermediate supports.
Types of piers are solid shaft pier, column pier,
Hammerhead pier.
Solid shaft pier
 1.4.5 Design Codes/Specifications
Design codes/specifications are collection of work
description upon which there is a mutual agreement of the
most experienced group of people based upon their practical
and theoretical knowledge.
Design codes results into economical and quality bridge
structures.
In this course, design bridge code which is to be used is BS
5400.