Problem Constrains:

Section B
Q3. Capacity Improvement of Bridge over River

Constraint 1.
The depth of the suspended span at the center of the bridge which allows navigation of
boats, should not exceed its current depth.

Implications:

- Cannot increase the depth of existing span

- External members cannot be introduced
- No support structure (temporary or permanent) feasible
- Possible solution is use of advanced engineering materials such as FRP.
(Carbon Fiber sheets for increasing strength is a viable option and is perfectly
suitable for this constraint)

Constraint 2.
No temporary or permanent supporting structure is allowed within the river

Implications:

- Construction of temporary formwork is ruled out

- Any construction equipment has to be supported using the existing pier or deck
- Viable solutions include floating the prefabricated sections and assembling
using cranes

Constraint 3.
Two traffic lanes but remain open for use except from 11pm to 6am

Implications:

- Full-fledged construction shall take place during the night

- Using fast setting superplasticizers is critical to reduce vibration induced internal
stresses on any new placed concrete
 - Bridge assembly execution planning is critical

Constraint 4.
Increase the capacity of existing bridge by construction of two additional traffic lanes.
The footpaths must be retained however; their widths may be reduced to 2m from existing 3.5m

Implications:

- Structural support system design is crucial.

- Increased load on existing bearing and foundations shall be evaluated
- Complete removal of deck system and re-decking is necessary.
- Deck system changes is required to be implemented in stages (thereby allowing
two lanes to remain open at all times)
Client’s requirements
 1. An existing bridge over the river as shown in Figure Q3 needs its capacity enhanced from 2
traffic lanes to 4 traffic lanes. The footpaths are important and must be retained but may be
narrowed to 2m either side. The new proposed four traffic lanes are to be 3.5m wide.
2. A new bridge can be constructed at either side, but no temporary or permanent support
is allowed within the river. The existing substructures were originally designed for a
bridge with 6 traffic lanes with Grade 40 concrete and adequate reinforcement.
3. River is tidal but during high tide boats do pass underneath, hence the depth of superstructure
at the location of suspended span
should not exceed more than its current depth.
4. Existing parapets with 500mm wide precast coping units were found to be substandard. Two
traffic lanes are essential to remain open
except every night from 11 pm to 6am and one week each in Christmas and Easter.
5. Central suspended span can carry only one fifth of the load it should carry from normal traffic,
as per its recent load assessment.

Imposed loading
6. Footways 5.0 kN/m2
7. Roadway 10.0N/m2

Site conditions
8. The site is in a rural area. Basic wind speed is 46.0m/s based on a 3-second gust; the
equivalent mean hourly wind
speed is 23.0m/s.

Ground conditions
9. Weak rock, safe bearing capacity 1,000kN/m2.

Omit from consideration

10. Design against loads from ship impact.

SECTION 1
a. Prepare a design appraisal with appropriate sketches indicating two distinct and viable
solutions for the proposed structure. Indicate clearly the functional framing, load transfer,
serviceability, and stability aspects of each scheme. Review and critically appraise the
schemes and identify the solution you recommend, giving reasons for your choice.

b. After completion of the design, the client forwards you the original as built drawings shows half
joint of the bridge can only take
200kN/m along its length. Write a letter to the client advising them on the implications of the
design.

SECTION 2
For the solution recommended in Section 1(a):
c. Prepare sufficient design calculations to establish the form and size of all the principal structural
elements including the foundations.

d. Prepare general arrangement drawings, which may include plans, sections and elevations, to
show the dimensions, layout and
disposition of the structural elements and critical details for estimating purposes.

e. Prepare a detailed method statement for the safe construction of the works and an outline
construction programme to include
consideration of any temporary works that may be required.