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Chapter One Power Point

The document outlines the fundamentals of bridge design, emphasizing the importance of bridges in transportation systems and the complexities involved in their engineering. It covers various aspects such as classification, site selection, design philosophy, and structural components, highlighting criteria for selecting bridge structures and the significance of durability and maintenance. The document also discusses the roles of structural engineers and the considerations for aesthetics in bridge design.

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Mesafint Sergawi
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2 views

Chapter One Power Point

The document outlines the fundamentals of bridge design, emphasizing the importance of bridges in transportation systems and the complexities involved in their engineering. It covers various aspects such as classification, site selection, design philosophy, and structural components, highlighting criteria for selecting bridge structures and the significance of durability and maintenance. The document also discusses the roles of structural engineers and the considerations for aesthetics in bridge design.

Uploaded by

Mesafint Sergawi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fundamentals of Bridge Design

Introduction
Yohannes Gudeta
Mar 2024
Introduction
• A bridge is an elevated structure that crosses over a
river, depression, bay or other obstructions and
permitting the smooth and safe passage of vehicles,
trains and pedestrians.
Introduction
• Bridge engineering is one of the fascinating fields in civil
engineering calling for expertise in many areas: structural
analysis and design, geotechnical, traffic projection,
surveying, runoff calculation and methods of construction.
Introduction
• Bridge engineering Covers
– Planning,
– Design,
– Construction and
– Operation of structures that carry
facilities for the movement of humans,
animals, or materials over natural or
created obstacles.
Introduction
• Bridges are a complex engineering problems and
expensive civil engineering structures.

• A bridge is a key element in a transportation system for


three reasons:

– If bridge fails, the system fails

– It is the highest cost per mile of the system

– It likely controls the capacity of the system

• Therefore, bridge designer has control over the capacity, cost and
Safety.
Bridges vs. Buildings
• Bridges typically do not have architects:

– Structural Engineer is responsible for aesthetics

– Structural system is always exposed (both good


and bad)
Bridges vs. Buildings

• Bridges are owned by the public;

– Focus is primarily on lowest initial


cost, with aesthetics playing a minor
role if any at all.
Bridges vs. Buildings

• Bridges are exposed to the elements

– Expansion and contraction due to temperature


Changes is a major concern.

– Durability is a major design consideration.

– Routine inspection and maintenance (initial


versus life-cycle cost).

– Load conditions,
Bridges vs. Buildings
Bridges vs. Buildings
Classification of Bridges
• Bridges can be classified on the basis of the
following characteristics;

– Construction material as Steel, Concrete, Timber or


combination of any two or more.

– Span length as short, medium or large.

– Structural forms as Slab, T-Girder, Box Girder, Arch,


Suspension etc.

– Span type as single or multi-span.


Bridge Site selection
❑ A straight reach of the river

❑ Minimum disturbing influence of larger tributaries

❑ well defined banks

❑ reasonably straight approach roads

❑ permits as perpendicular a crossing as possible

❑ Availability of local materials

❑ Traffic needs

❑ Foundation conditions

❑ Vertical and horizontal alignment

❑ Less river training methods such as riprap, gabions etc


Selection of Bridges

• Criteria to select a bridge structure


include:

– Economy and

– Ease of maintenance and construction,

– Aesthetics, etc.
Bridge span determination

❑ Economy

❑ Hydraulic requirement

❑ Location of the bridge site

❑ Location of Piers

❑ Free board

❑ Grade requirement of the road


Design Philosophy
• As stated in article 2.5.2 (AASHTO). Bridges shall be designed
for specified limit states to achieve the Design objectives of:

✓ Constructability,

✓ Safety

✓ Serviceability

✓ Durability

✓ Inspect ability

✓ Economy and

✓ Aesthetics
Design Philosophy
• Limit State Design:

– The design specifications for different limit states


per Table 3-1, ERA Bridge Design Manual, 2002, are
adopted.

– Strength Limit State

– Serviceability Limit State: condition of the bridge


during the service period

– Fatigue Limit State


Design Philosophy

• Load factors and load combinations:

– In LRFD method, load factors are applied


to the loads and resistance factors to the
internal resistances or capacities of
sections.

– Moreover, the load combinations and load


factors are considered accordingly.
Design Philosophy

• Load factors (ERA Bridge Design Manual


2002, Table 3-2)

– In practice the applied load may be greater


than the characteristic load for any of the
following reasons:

• Calculation errors

• Constructional inaccuracies

• Unforeseen increases in load


Components of a Bridge Structure
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Wearing Surface
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Lateral Bracing
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Pier and Pedestals
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Back Wall & Wing Wall
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Pier & Pier Cap
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Single Column Pier Supporting Pre stressed Concrete
Bridge

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