Design of T Beam Bridge

T-Beam Bridge
Deck Slab
Main Girder Cross Beam

Multi-girder bridge deck

Twin girder bridge deck

Negative aspects
In this Bridge, Main Load Bearing Members
 Gives less clean appearance
in super structure of bridge are T-beams  Can be economically effective up
to 30 m span of bridge
Economically Effective Span of T-Beam Bridge
Positive aspects
RC T-Beam Bridge - 10 m to 25m
 Easy to construct due to its simple geometry
PSC T-Beam Bridge – up to 35m  Gives economy due to monolithic construction
of beam and slab 2
General Arrangements of Deck of T-Beam Bridge
CW Wearing
Railing Course

Kerb
Drainage
Cross girder Spout
Main girder
at support Main girder
Elastomeric Bearing

Pier

Expansion Joint

Abutment

Approach
Slab
A Part of Longitudinal Section of Bridge at B-B

Mid line
A
 Design Steps of RCC T-Beam Bridge
1. Determine approximate thickness of slab and depth, width and other
dimensions of girder and assign size of carriageway, footpath/kerb, wearing
course and railing.

2. Design cantilever slab. Calculate dead load, position live load, analyze the slab
by effective width method, verify the thickness of slab, find reinforcing bars
check for shear and carryout detailing of reinforcing bars.

3. Design restrained slab. Calculate dead load, position live load, analyze the
slab by Pigeaud’s Method, verify the thickness of slab, find reinforcing bars,
check for shear and carryout detailing of reinforcing bars.

4. Design main beam. Calculate dead load, position live load longitudinally and
transversely, analyze the beam, verify the thickness of beam, design beam for
longitudinal and transverse reinforcement and carryout detailing of
reinforcing bars.

5. Design Cross beam. Calculate dead load, position live load longitudinally and
transversely, analyze the cross beam, verify the thickness of beam, design
beam for longitudinal and transverse reinforcement and carryout detailing of
reinforcing bars.
Planning and Preliminary Design of T- Beam Bridge [Ref. IRC 5 & IRC 21]
• Assign sizes of slab, main girder, cross beam, carriageway, footpath/kerb, wearing
course and railing and determine number and spacing of beams

bact
• C.W. = 4.25 m for single lane
Df = 7 m or 7.5m for double lane
α • Ht. of railing (h) ≥ 1.1m – half width of railing
bw D • Width of kerb (b) ≥ 0.225m from face of railing
• Width of footpath (b)≥ 0.6m
α • Df min = 200mm (150mm at tip)
≥bw/2 • D = span/10 to span/15 for simple span
B = span/25 to span/20 for cont. span
• bw ≥ 250mm
C.W. • B ≤ 4bw
bact • α ≥ 1100
• S = 2-3m
• Spacing of cross beam = 3 to 5m
3/4D D • No of cross beam ≥ 5
• Depth of cross beam ≥ 3/4D

S S ½ to ¾ S
Analysis and Design of Cantilever Slab [Ref. IRC 21]

• Calculate dead load and analyze slab for dead load, position live load, analyze
the slab by effective width method for live load, verify the thickness of slab,
find reinforcing bars, check for shear and carryout detailing of reinforcing bars.

Effective Width of Cantilever Slab • Effective width of cantilever

slab should less or equal to one
third length of cantilever slab

a • When load is placed one of the

two extreme ends of the slab ,
b1 bef = 1.2a + b1 the effective width should not
exceed the above value nor
should it exceed half the above
value plus the distance of the
Support
concentrated load from the
nearer extreme end.
Load
 Analysis and Design of Restrained Slab [Ref. IRC 21]
• Calculate dead load and analyze slab for dead load, position live load, analyze the slab by Pigeaud’s
Method for live load, verify the thickness of slab, find reinforcing bars, check for shear and carryout
detailing of reinforcing bars.

Analysis of Restrained Slab by PIGEAUD'S METHOD

 In the case of bridge decks with T beams and cross girders, the deck slab is supported on
all the four sides and is spanning in two directions. The moments in the two directions can
be computed by using the design curves developed by M. Pigeaud.

 Pigeaud's method is applicable to rectangular slabs supported freely on all four sides
subjected to a symmetrically placed load at center.

P
L and B - Span lengths in the long and short span
b directions
L a a and b - Dimensions of the tire contact area in long
h and short span directions
b u =b+2h u and v - Dispersed load through the deck slab
K- Ratio of short to long span
M1 and M2 - Moments along the short and long spans
m1 and m2 - Coefficients for moments along short and
B
long spans
- Poisson's ratio
M1 = (m1+ m2)P P- Load from the wheel under consideration
M2 = (m2+ m1)P
Load Eccentric w.r.t . One Centroidal Axis

u
u
L P P v F
v = - 2P+F
b b
2u+b

Condition a Condition c Condition b

Ma = (Mb - Mc)/2

Load Eccentric w.r.t . Two Centroidal Axis

l+v l -v
L
b+u b+u
v
u P Condition b Condition c
B l b =

l+v l -v
b-u b-u
Condition a

Ma = (Mb- Mc- Md+ Me)/4 Condition d Condition e

 Analysis and Design of Main Girder of Bridge
Calculate dead load, position live load longitudinally and transversely, analyze the girder
for dead and live load, verify the thickness of beam, design beam for longitudinal and
transverse reinforcement and carryout detailing of reinforcing bars.

COURBON'S METHOD
A very simple, popular and powerful method to analyze girder
for live load in simply supported T-beam bridges.
In Courbon’s method, it is assumed that the transverse profile
of the bridge deck under loading remains straight.

P
Central load case ∆
I1 I2 I3 I4
Transverse profile of bridge 1 2 3
h2 h
4
deck after the application of h1 3
h4
central load and central
moment M

Central moment case

1 2 3 4
I1 I2 I3 I4
In Courbon’s method, load shared by each girder in central region of bridge deck
is found by
R1 = P I1 / ∑I + M I1 h1 / ∑Ih2
R2 = P I2 / ∑I + M I2 h2 / ∑Ih2
R3 = P I3 / ∑I + M I3 h3 / ∑Ih2
R4 = P I4 / ∑I + M I4 h4 / ∑Ih2

In end region i.e., 5.5m from the support, simple beam method is employed for
lateral load distribution.

The following conditions must be satisfied for the effective use of Courbon’s
method.

• The ratio of span to the width of bridge >2

• No. of transverse beams interconnecting longitudinal beams
should be at least 5 .
• Depth of transverse beam should be at least 0.75 times the depth
of main beam.
 Method of Elastic Supports
A very simple, and powerful method to analyze girder for live load in simply supported T-
beam bridges when Courbon’s Method is not effective. Significant transverse deformation of
bridge deck occurs when span/width ratio of bridge becomes less than 2 and nos of cross
beams becomes less than 5. In this situation it is right to analyze bridge deck considering
slab as a continuous beam on elastic support.
B
0 1 2
d

In the method of elastic support , load on girder is found by constructing influence

line diagram of reaction of girder using table made for Method of Elastic Supports.
Ordinate of Influence diagram depends on the parameter α = d3/6EIT ∆P
Usually α = 0.005 to 1.5
• Bridge with many cross beams α = 0.005
• Bridge with few or no cross beams α > 1
• Modern highway bridges α < 0.05

d = Span of transverse medium ( spacing of girder)

EIT = Flexural rigidity of transverse medium (slab and cr. beam) per unit length of bridge
∆P = Deflection of main girder from 1KN/m at the section of bridge, where lateral load
distribution is required
To use the Table of Method of Elastic Supports , value of ‘α’ for the considering
section of bridge is required. There are two tables. First table is to determine
ordinate of ILD of reaction of girder due to unit load and second table is to
determine ordinate of ILD of reaction of girder due to moment.

Table gives the reaction of girder due to unit load of its different position. For
the unit load lying on cantilever, load is converted into equivalent moment and
unit load applied on exterior girder . For reaction of girder due to equivalent
moment second table of Method of Elastic Supports is used.
First Table

No of Ordinate of ILD for different value of ‘α’

Support
span 0.005 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.1 0.5 1 1.5
n RPir

Second Table

No of Ordinate of ILD for different value of ‘α’

Support
span 0.005 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.1 0.5 1 1.5
n dRMi0
 Longitudinal Positioning of Live Load to Get Maximum BM

For Track Loading BM at the considering section will be

maximum when track load is
L2 positioned in such a way so that
x2 x2 = x1× L2 /L1

x1
L1

For Train/Wheel Loading BM at the considering section will be maximum

when train/wheel load is positioned in such a way
so that the ratio of R1 / L1 and R / L will equal or
just change their signs
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5
R1 / L1 = R / L
or
L1 R1 / L1 > R / L just change in to R1 / L1 < R / L
L
R1 - Resultant of wheel loads lying on the left of the
considering section
R– Resultant of wheel load entered in bridge deck
 Longitudinal Positioning of Live Load to Get Maximum BM

For Track Loading For Train/Wheel Loading

L2 p W1 W2 W3 W4 W5

x1 L1 L1
L

Draw ILD of BM at critical section. Draw ILD of BM at critical section.

Position track load in such a way so Position wheel loads in such a way
that product of the intensity of track so that summation of the product
load and area of ILD occupied by of loads and respective ordinates of
track load (p × A) is maximum. ILD (∑Wy) is maximum.

p – intensity of track load W- magnitude of wheel load

A – area of influence line diagram y- ordinate of ILD under
under track load load
Longitudinal Positioning of Live
Load to Get Maximum SF Influence line diagram is drawn to
get maximum SF at critical sec.
For Track Loading
due to track and train/wheel
p loading.

SF at any critical section will be

maximum when
l • pA is maximum for track
loading
p – intensity of track load
A – area of influence line diagram
under track load
For Train/Wheel Loading
• ∑Wy is maximum for
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 train/wheel loading
W- magnitude of wheel load
y- ordinate of ILD under load

l
Transverse Bending Moment by Distribution
Coefficient Method (Massonet Formula)
• Distribution coefficient method is a simplified method of
bridge deck analysis based on orthotropic plate theory
• In this method distribution coefficients are used to
distribute the load and determine responses of bridge deck.
• Distribution coefficient depends on flexural and torsional
characterizing parameters of bridge deck.

I – Flexural moment of inertia of main girder

IT – Flexural moment of inertia of cross girder
J – Torsional moment of inertia of main girder
JT – Torsional moment of inertia of cross girder
S – Spacing of main girder
P - Spacing of cross girder
 • For simplification, bridge deck is converted in to a plate with
eight segments/ 9 reference stations and the distribution
coefficient required are found using distribution coefficient
of these standard reference stations.
Actual Bridge Deck Orthotropic Plate
B

-b -3b/4 –b/2 –b/4 0 b/4 b/2 3b/4 b

1 S 2 3
2b=(n-2 )S + Iex./Iint. S

P
2a
L
• Maximum transverse bending moment occurs at the mid span
at the center of transverse section when the eccentricity of
load in transverse section of bridge is least and the load acts at
the mid span of bridge.
• Transverse bending moment is found by Massonnet formula
using distribution coefficient.
• Massonnet showed that TBM per unit width ‘My’
My = ∑n rn b sin(u/2a) sin(nx/2a)
Where
n - Distribution coefficient similar to K
rn – load factor
rn = P/a sin nπu/2a for wheeled load
rn = 4p0/nπ sin nπu/2a sin nπc/2a for tracked load
x - Distance from support to the section, where 'My' is required
P - Wheeled load acting at distance 'u' from abutment
p0 - Intensity of tracked load
2c - Length of tracked load
n - number of term of series
u - distance of load from the support
• Transverse bending moment per unit width, when x = a

For wheeled load

My = Pb/a × [1 sinu/2a -3 sin3u/2a +5 sin5u/2a]

For tracked load having length 2c

My = 4p0b/ × [ 1 sinc/2a +1/3 3 sin3c/2a +1/5 5 sin5c/2a]

• To determine distribution coefficients, graphs drawn

against flexural characterizing parameter (θ) and load
positions are used. Such graphs have been drawn for
torsionally weak ( =0) and torsionally strong ( =1)
bridge deck.
For intermediate value of ‘ ’ interpolation is made to
determine the distribution coefficients.
  =  0+( 1-  0) 
III. Design and Detailing of Main Girder [Ref. IRC 21, IRC 112 & IS 456]

• Check depth of girder ‘d’

Compare with the depth requires for balanced section
dbal = (Mu /Q b)1/2
• Design longitudinal reinforcement for maximum longitudinal bending moment at
each critical section.
When d > dbal , girder section is designed as SRUR flanged section
When d < dbal , girder section is designed as DR flanged section

In SRURS find Ast

Ast = Mu / 0.87fy(d - 0.416xu) for SRURS
Ast ≥ Ast,min
In DRS, find tension steel Ast and compression steel Asc
• Deign transverse reinforcement for maximum longitudinal shear force at each
critical section
Find diameter, nos of legs and spacing of shear stirrups
• Check beam for deflection and cracking
L / d ≤ αβγδλ
Crack width ≤ Allowable crack width
• Provide side face reinforcement, curtail bars if necessary, check
development length of main bars at support, provide other detailing bars.
Reinforcement of Main Girder

Reinforcing Designed longitudinal

bars of slab reinforcement a8

Extra detailing bar

a7

Shear reinforcement
a9
Side face reinforcement
a5

Extra detailing bar

a6

Cross section Designed longitudinal a4 a4 a4 a4 a4

of main girder a2 a3 a3 a3 a2
reinforcement a1 a1 a1 a1 a1
 Reinforcement of Main Girder

Designed
a
longitudinal 8
Shear reinforcement a9 reinforcement

Side face
a5 reinforcement

a4 a4 a4 a4 a4
a2 a3 a3 a3 a2
a1 a1 a1 a1 a1
Designed
longitudinal
Longitudinal Section of Main Girder reinforcement

Reinforcements of slab are not shown

III. Design and Detailing of Cross Girder [Ref. IRC 21, IRC 112 & IS 456]

• Check depth of girder ‘d’

Compare with the depth requires for balanced section
dbal = (Mu /Q b)1/2
• Design longitudinal reinforcement for maximum longitudinal bending moment at
each critical section.
When d > dbal , girder section is designed as SRUR flanged section
When d < dbal , girder section is designed as DR flanged section

In SRURS find Ast

Ast = Mu / 0.87fy(d - 0.416xu) for SRURS
Ast ≥ Ast,min
In DRS, find tension steel Ast and compression steel Asc
• Deign transverse reinforcement for maximum longitudinal shear force at each
critical section
Find diameter, nos of legs and spacing of shear stirrups

• Provide side face reinforcement, check development length of main bars

at support, provide other detailing bars if necessary.
Reinforcement of Cross Girder
Shear reinforcement

Side face Designed longitudinal

reinforcement reinforcement

Longitudinal Section of Cross Girder

Shear reinforcement

Side face Designed longitudinal

reinforcement Cross Section of Cross Girder reinforcement
Reinforcement of T-Beam Bridge
 Problem Statement

Design a T-Beam Bridge to meet the following

requirements

• Bridge effective span – 12m

• Carriage way – single lane
• Safety kerb on either side of bridge
• Wearing coat – Asphalt concrete
 Planning and Preliminary
Design of Bridge

 Carriage way - 4.25m

 Width of safety kerb – 0.5m
 Height of safety kerb – 0.3m
 Depth of main beam – 1m
 Depth of cross beam – 0.75m
 Thickness of W.C. – 0.05m at edge
0.092m at mid
 C/c dist. between main beams – 3m
 Nos. of cr. beam – 5
Cross section of bridge
 C/c dist. between cr. Beams – 3m
 Width of web of main beam – 0.3m
 Width of web of cross beam – 0.25m
 Height of railing – 1.1m
 Size of railing post – 0.225m × 0.225m
 Spacing of railing post - 1.5m
 Heavy steel pipe of dia. 48.3mm
 Size of fillet – 0.15m × 0.3m
 Thickness of cantilever slab -
At tip – 0.17m up to 0.5m
At root – 0.35m
 Thickness of restrained slab – 0.2m
 Camber of W.C. – 2%

Longitudinal section of bridge

 Reinforcement of Slab

10mm dia.@150mm c/c 10mm dia.@300mm c/c

In both direction

10mm dia.@300mm c/c Minimum shear

In both direction 10mm dia.@167mm c/c reinforcement
In both directions
Reinforcement of Main Girder

4-20mm dia.

10mm dia.@300mm
2 legged v.s. 6-8mm dia.

Cross section
of main girder
at mid span
10-28mm dia.

4-20mm dia.

10mm dia.@240mm c/c

4 legged v.s.

6-8mm dia.
Cross section
of main girder
at support 8-28mm dia.
 Reinforcement of Main Girder

4-20mm dia.
10mm dia.@240mm c/c 10mm dia.@300mm
4 legged v.s. 2 legged v.s.

10-28mm dia.
8-28mm dia.

Longitudinal Section of Main Girder

Reinforcements of slab are not shown

Reinforcement of Cross Girder 10mm dia.@200mm c/c
2 legged v.s.

3-16mm dia.
4-8mm dia.

Longitudinal Section of Cross Girder

Shear reinforcement

Side face Designed longitudinal

reinforcement Cross Section of Cross Girder reinforcement