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Bridge Chapter 3

Bridges can be classified in several ways including by their structural form, span type, load path characteristics, position, and deck type. Some key structural forms are slab-stringer bridges suitable for short spans, orthotropic bridges that optimize material usage, and truss bridges used for longer spans. Other forms include rigid frame, arch, cantilever, cable-stayed, and suspension bridges suited to even longer spans. Bridges are also classified by their number of spans, load characteristics, position over navigable waterways, and whether they are permanent or temporary structures.

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kassahun kebede
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199 views

Bridge Chapter 3

Bridges can be classified in several ways including by their structural form, span type, load path characteristics, position, and deck type. Some key structural forms are slab-stringer bridges suitable for short spans, orthotropic bridges that optimize material usage, and truss bridges used for longer spans. Other forms include rigid frame, arch, cantilever, cable-stayed, and suspension bridges suited to even longer spans. Bridges are also classified by their number of spans, load characteristics, position over navigable waterways, and whether they are permanent or temporary structures.

Uploaded by

kassahun kebede
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Chapter 3

BRIDGE TYPES AND SELECTION

3.1 Types of Bridges


3.2 Selection of Bridges
3.1 Types of Bridges
• Bridges classified according to their
superstructure
• Superstructure classified based on
– Material
– Span length
– Structural form
– Span types
– Load path characteristics
– Usage
– Position (movable bridges)
– Deck type (double deck and combination)
3.1.1 Classification by Structural Form
• Structural form refers to the load resisting mechanism of a
bridge
• Only certain types of structural forms are suitable and
economically viable for certain span ranges
a) Slab-stringer bridges (stringers=longitudinal
beams)
- deck slab supported on stringers
-slab usually concrete, sometimes timber
-stringers: RC, PSC, steel or timber
- most suitable for short span
- in medium and long span, slab-stringer supported on
trusses, arches, cables
- in T- and box girder, slab cast monolithically with girders
b) Orthotropic bridges

• has different elastic properties in perpendicular


directions
• Evolved from steel plate deck to economize on
use of material
• deck plate is stiffened by and welded to
shallow grid work of steel ribs
c) Truss Bridges
• Used for longer spans than girder range
(truss>92m span)
• Trusses carry large load by virtue of truss
action with small amount of steel
• Chords provide couple to resist moment
– Shorter span range, constant depth: pratt, warren,
howe
– Longer spans, variable depth: parker
– Very long spans, slope>600: k-truss
Truss bridges cont. . .

• Position floor(deck): deck-truss, through-truss


and half-through truss bridges
– Clearance requirement through-trusses, >7.32m for
highway, >9.15m for railway bridges
• Two reasons for truss bridge unpopularity from
past
– lack of aesthetics
– prohibitively high life time cost
d) Rigid Frame Bridges

• Superstructure supported on monolithic


vertical or slanting legs
• Economical for moderate medium span lengths
• For v-shaped valleys with rock foundation
e) Arch Bridges
• The oldest types of bridges
• Economical for medium and long spans
• Classification of arches:
• Nature of ribs: truss arch or solid rib arch
• Degree of articulation: two-hinged or three-
hinged arch
• Position of deck: through arch, half through
and deck arch
f) Cantilever Bridges

• Cantilever bridges were the solutions for large


deflections caused by heavy railway traffic on
long span truss bridges in the late 1800s
• Consists of anchor spans, cantilever spans and
suspended span
• This results in substantial reduction of moment
• Cantilever span can be constructed without
falsework
g) Cable stayed Bridges

• Very competitive for medium and long spans


• Superstructure is supported at several points
• Aesthetically attractive

h) Suspension Bridges
• Known to span the longest spans
• Cable profile is a catenary
• Consists of the towers, the anchorages, the cables
and the deck
3.1.2 Classification by Span Types

• Simple span bridges


• Multiple simple span bridges
• Continuous bridges

• 3.1.3 Classification by Load Path


Characteristics
• One dimensional system : slab bridges
• Two dimensional system: slab-stringer bridges
3.1.4 Classification by Position

• To provide vertical clearance for navigable


waterways
• When topography dictates that the roadway
should be close to the surface
• Evolved from draw bridges of middle ages by
feudal lords to defend their castle
• Three kinds
– Bascule bridge
– Lift bridge
– Swing bridge
3.1.4 Classification by Life Span
• Permanent bridges
• Temporary bridges

3.1.4 Combination and Double Deck


Bridges
Highway traffic only or combination of highway
and railway

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