Types of Bridges
Dr. K.SIVASAKTHIVEL , M. E, M.B.A, Ph. D
Bridge
A bridge is a structure providing passage over an obstacle without
closing the way beneath.
The required passage may be for a road, a railway pedestrian or a canal
of a pipeline. The obstacle to be crossed may be river, a road, a railway
or a valley.
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
Reduce travelling time
Leads easy trade
Types of Loads for Design of Bridge
Dead load
Live load
Impact load
Wind load
Longitudinal forces
Centrifugal forces
Buoyancy effect
Effect of water current
Thermal effects
Deformation and horizontal effects
Erection stresses
Seismic loads
Components of bridge
Bridge can be divided into two major parts.
1. Sub structure
2. Super structure
SUB STRUCTURE
The function of the sub structure is similar to that of foundations, columns and walls of a buildings, because it
supports the super structure of the bridges and transmits the load safely to the ground
The substructure consists of the following:
a. Abutments b. Piers c. Wing walls d. Approaches
e. Foundations for the piers and abutments
Abutments: The end of superstructure of a bridge is called abutments.
Its main functions are
To laterally support the earth work of the embankment of the approaches.
To transmit the load from the bridge superstructure.
To give final formation level to the bridge.
Piers
Piers are the intermediate supports for the superstructure. Piers transmit
the loads from the superstructure of the bridge to the foundations. A
pier essentially consists of a column or shat and a foundation. They may
have different configurations as shown in figure. These piers may be
constructed with stone masonry or concrete
Wing walls : These are the walls provided at both ends of the
abutments to retain the earth filling of the approach road. They are
constructed of the same material as those of the main abutment.
Approaches: The portion of the road constructed to reach the bridge
from their general route or height is known as approach of the bridge.
The alignment and the level of the approaches mainly depend on the
design and layout of the bridge
Foundations for the Piers and Abutments : The foundation of a
bridge structure distributes the load from the piers and abutments over
the larger area of sub soil. It prevents the tilting and over-turning of the
piers and abutments and settlement of the sub soil.
Super structure
Super structure : The super structure is that part of the bridge over
which the traffic moves with safely.
It consists of:
a. Decking b. Parapet or hand rails, guard stones etc. c. Bearing
Decking : It is provided to allow the road surface to be built in over it. It
may consist of a slab, trusses, arches etc.
Parapet or Hand rails, guard stones: These are the protective works
provided on both sides of the deck along the roadway in order to safe
guard the moving vehicles and the passengers on a bridge. Foot paths are
also provided for pedestrians to walk along the bridge. In order to prevent
a vehicle from striking the parapet wall of the hand rails, guard stones
painted white are provided at the ends of the road surfaces.
Bearing: It is part of the bearing structure provided to distribute the load
coming from the superstructure and also to allow for longitudinal and
angular movements.
Classification of bridges
Materials used for construction
Function of purpose
Life
Types of superstructure
Span length
Loading
Based on construction material
Reinforced concrete
Steel
Timber
Pre stressed
Masonry
Composite
Function of purpose
Highway bridge
Railway bridge
Foot bridge
Viaduct and
Aqueduct
Life
a) Permanent bridges
b) Temporary bridges
Based on span
L ≤ 6 M culvert
7 ≤ L ≤ 15 small span
16 ≤ L ≤50 medium
50 ≤ L150 large span
L≥ 150 m exact long span
Based on loading
a) Class AA bridges
b) Class A bridges
c) Class B bridges according to the loadings they are designed to carry.
Based on structure
Truss
Cable
Suspension
Arch
Beam
cantilever
Beam bridge
Beam bridge
Cantilever bridge
Arch bridge
Suspension and Cable stayed bridge
Truss bridge
Suspension bridges
Cable stayed
Culvert
India's longest bridge on water
(9.15 KM)
Thanks
