SELECTION OF BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTRE

The selection of the type of bridge

Governing factors in superstructure is the most critical and
the selection of bridge the most challenging part of the design
superstructure are of bridge.
In this part, technical, economical,
environmental and aesthetical aspects
 Technical of bridge are examined and accordingly
final selection of bridge superstructure
is made.
 Economical
Though economical, environmental and
aesthetical aspects are important , but
 Environmental technical aspects play key role in
decision making process of the selection
 Aesthetical of bridge type.
Aesthetic Factor
Aesthetic factor is related to the quality of beauty and
functionality of bridge structure

Important aesthetic characteristics and considerations are

• Appearance
• Color
• Proportion
• Contrast
• Scale
• Order
• Environmental integration
• Functionality
 Environmental Factor

Environmental factors are related to the impact of the

structure on the environment during and after construction.

Effects of the construction on the marine life,

surrounding human life and plant life are the
major concerns of environmental
considerations.
 Economical Factor
It is the cost factor, which is directly related to availability of fund and
financial resources and the expenses involved in the construction of bridge.

Comprehensive list of cost factors

• Cost of labor
• Cost of material
• Construction details
• Transportation and erection cost
• Weight of elements if precast construction is used
• Span length and pier height
• No. of span
• Structural system and its cross section
• Time available for construction
• Design load
• Maintenance cost
 An example of the breakdown of cost
for typical medium span PSC Bridge in remote location

Items Cost (%) Remarks

Mobilization 8%
Foundations 18%
Pier, Abutment 6%
False work 20% Substructure 24%
Prestressing steel 11%
Reinforcement 17%
Superstructure 54%
Concrete 6%
Finishing work 14%
Technical Factors

Technical factors are related to the technical

requirements regarding the

 Span coverage of bridge superstructure

 Horizontal and vertical clearances of bridge
 Subsoil conditions of bridge site
 Durability of bridge structures
 Time of construction of bridge
 Method of construction of bridge
 Selection and span arrangement of bridge
Mostly Used Span Ranges for Different Type of Bridges Based on Technical and
Economical Factors

S.N. Type of Bridge Span (m)

1 R. C. Slab 4 -10
2 R.C. T – Girder 8 -30
3 Composite 25 -50
4 R.C. Box 30 -50
5 Prestressed Concrete Box 40 -80
6 Arch
 Masonry 15 -30
 Concrete 40 -70
 Steel 50 -100
7 Cable stayed 100 -2000
8 Suspension 300 -2000
9 Truss 25 -300
 Cost
Factor
PC Girder

2
RC T-Beam RC Box girder
Bridge

1 RC solid
slab bridge

Span, m

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Cost of Bridges Based on their Span

Span Arrangement
with Slab and Girder Alternate 1

RC/Composite
Girder
RC Slab

6–8m 8 – 50 m 6–8m

9
Span Arrangement with
Girder/Slab and Truss Alternate 2

Steel Truss
RC/Composite
Girder/Slab

6 – 50 m 2 5 – 300 m 6 – 50 m

10
Span Arrangement with Steel Truss
Alternate 3

Steel Truss

25 m - 300 m

11
Span Arrangement with
RC Continuous Girder Alternate 4

RC continuous girder

0.6 L L up to 120m 0.6 L

12
 Trend of Construction of Bridges
A case study of Japan
Based on the inventory report
Other
Bridges
4.2%
RC Bridges
19.4%

Steel
Bridges PC Bridges
40.7% 35.7%

Total numbers of bridges

1,30,192