TOLL GATES AND TOLL BUILDINGS IN SRI LANKA

P. Mendis1, W.J.B.S. Fernando1, B.D. Waduge2, D.S. Hettiarachchi2 (Paper Presenting Author)
H.D.Molligoda2
1
Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia.
Telephone: +61 41 931 2481; Fax: +61 3 83444616
E-mail: pamendis@unimelb.edu.au
1
Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 71 421 6681;
E-mail: shiromal@csec.lk
2
Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 71 447 6106;
E-mail: bhathiya@csec.lk
2
Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants, Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 71 324 2414;
E-mail: dilina@csec.lk

Abstract

Sri Lanka, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean declared open its first expressway in
November 2011 and it’s second in October 2013. Expressways help to boost the economy of the
country by reducing travel times and by providing increased opportunities for business. To cater the
main requirements and functionalities of these expressways, toll gates and toll buildings play a vital
role. In both of the expressways constructed, it can be noted that the main architectural features
embedded to toll gates and buildings were inspirational concepts adapted from traditional Sri Lankan
timber structures/monuments found in Bogoda Bridge in Badulla, the pillars in Embekke Devalaya,
Pekada and Ambalama.

Despite the architectural characteristics of these structures, the main feature of these constructed
structures was construction being made with the use of off-formed reinforced concrete. Another key
feature that can be highlighted is the types of foundations used in both occasions. Due to soft ground
conditions, precast piles were driven during the construction of the Colombo - Katunayake
Expressway and Vierendeel Girder type foundation and shallow footings were used in the Colombo -
Matara expressway. Toll gate structures possess large cantilevers, thinner beams, slender columns and
off-formed finishes. Thus, elements were heavily reinforced and self-compacted concrete were used
to construct these elements. This paper presents on how traditional architectural features of Sri
Lankan timber structures have influenced the design of toll buildings and gates of the Colombo -
Katunayake and Colombo – Matara expressways.

Key words: Expressway, Toll gates, Toll buildings, Architectural characteristics

1.0 Introduction

Highways has been in existence in ancient times in Sri Lanka. They were called “Mahawe” according
to the Mahavamsa which is an ancient manuscript about the history of Sri Lanka. Highways of a
country represents the stability of economic growth and to the foreign visitor the first impression
would be the experience of infrastructure thus Expressways and its structures shall possess the
character of a country. Thus the theme of the design will depict the 2500 year old heritage of Sri
Lankan and its architecture. The design inspiration for these structures were based on ancient
structures such as Bogoda Bridge in Badulla and Embekke Dewalaya in Udunuwara. The structural
aspect of these ancient structures are truly admirable considering the life span and durability.
Although the material used then and now are quite different from each other, the fundamental system
was highly useful in conceptualizing the toll gate structures.

As an architectural request off form finishes had to be maintained thus self-compacting concrete was
used to obtain the finish.

2.0 Aesthetic Influence

The architectural aspect of the toll gates is based on systems adopted in Embekke Dewalaya and
Bogoda Bridge. Figure 2.1 shows a picture taken at Embekke Dewalaya which illustrates the beam
system which holds the roof structure. While figure 2.2 shows a picture taken at Bogoda Bridge. Both
these pictures illustrates the system which has been used in toll gate designs which is shown in figure
2.3.

Figure 2.1 Embekke Dewalaya

Figure 2.2 Bogoda Bridge

 Figure 2.3 Toll Gate - Southern
Expressway

In ancient structures simplicity and durability were the key features thus the structures were built
mostly with high strength timber and granite. The above ancient structures are based on timber and
the load of the roof is transferred to secondary beams which rests on top of primary beams which
transfers the loads straight to the columns. This system is simple and aesthetically eye catching.

3.0 Structural Design

3.1 Superstructure

Southern Expressway (SE): Four types of toll plazas were designed namely T1, T2, T3 and T4
depending on the number of gates.

Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (CKE): Three types of toll plazas were designed namely K5, K16
and K21 with different number of gates

Finite element modelling software (ETABS) was used in analysing the behaviour of the structure of
which results were adopted in calculations for design of foundation. Due to presence of cantilever
sections the primary and secondary beams had to be heavily reinforced to carry the respective loads.

Figure 3.1 Toll Gate - ETABS Model of Type T4 – SE (Fernando, Toll Gate Design, 2010)
 Figure 3.2 ETABS model of a type K21/K5 Toll Gate – CKE
(Fernando, Colombo-Katunayake Expressway Toll Plazas, 2012)

The design has also accounted for the collision loads (Accidental Loads) and the columns has been
designed considering a uniform linear load to accommodate for a case of a vehicle collision. Further
the columns has been sufficiently spaced so that the toll booth can be located in between the columns
for safety purposes.

The structural analysis and design has also accounted the wind parameters considering the structures
to be located in wind zone 3.

3.2 Sub-Structure

Soil condition of a site is what governs the type of foundation for its structure. Different types of
foundation had to be designed for the two expressways depending on their soil conditions.

Depending on the soil condition and bearing capacity of Southern Expressway toll gate site locations,
it was determined that shallow strip foundation was sufficient to withstand the loads. Elastic
foundation method was used for these designs. Figure 3.3 shows a sample foundation analysis based
on beam as elastic foundation which was used for a type T2 toll gate structure.

Figure 3.3 Design of Strip foundation based beam as elastic foundation analysis for Type T2
Illustrated in figures 3.5 and 3.6 are Vierendeel girder type foundation which was used in southern
expressway toll gate construction.

Figure 3.5 Vierendeel Girder Construction Figure 3.6 Vierendeel Girder Design

Foundation types for Colombo-Katunayake Expressway was quite different as the soil conditions
were very poor compared to that of Southern Expressway. Preloading was done before foundation
design to increase the bearing capacity of soil.

Given in table 3.1 are borehole data of toll gate type K16. Since the toll plaza boundaries were very
close to the sand fill embankments with natural slopes in which localized slips may occur, it was
determined that the foundations of toll plazas consist of driven pre-cast RC piles which are terminated
within the layer of Completely weathered rock” at a depth of around 16m.

A finite element model using PLAXIS was done to determine the feasibility of a raft foundation for
the site with best soil condition (K16) with the hope of avoiding the use of piles as foundation and its
analysis output is illustrated in figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4 PLAXIS simulation of Primary consolidation settlements

As shown in figure 3.4 PLAXIS output gave settlements beyond allowable furthermore due to the
building loading, excess pore pressure has been increased in intermediate organic Clay layer under
undrain condition, therefore with timely pore pressure dissipation primary consolidation settlement is
possible. In addition, soil could be further subjected to secondary consolidation settlement due to the
soil matrix changes of the organic clay and creep. In these circumstances a raft foundation was not a
possible solution thus pile foundation had to be used. To expedite the project pre-cast piles were
decided to be used.
During the analysis process, the condition of negative skin friction which can be developed along
precast piles were considered. This analysis was purely depended upon the types of layers present in
the soil. If the soil contained a cohesionless soil deposit under a cohesive soil layer the Beta method
(Equation 3.1) was used to analyse the negative skin friction.
𝐿𝑓
𝐹𝑠 = ∫ 𝑟𝛽𝑞̅ 𝑑𝑧
0

Lf = Layer Thickness
r = Reduction Factor
β = 𝑘 tan 𝛿
𝑞̅ = Effective overburden pressure
k = Coefficient of lateral earth pressure
𝛿 = Effective friction angle between concrete and soil
Equation 3.1

In the case of the soil only consisting of cohesionless layers,

𝐹𝑠 = 0.5𝐶𝑢

Cu = Undrained Shear Strength

Equation 3.2

Note that Cone penetration tests have been carried out to get accurate Cu values under overburden,
rather than doing triaxial tests.

Table 3.1 Calculations for negative skin friction

3.3 Finishes

Off-form finishes were applied to toll gate structures as per architect’s request. The contractor had to
use a coated plywood as formwork and the cover had to be increased to a minimum of 40mm to
maintain the finish.

Shown in figure 3.5 is a toll gate in CKE project that has been finished with a smooth form finish.

Often being referred to as "fairfaced

concrete" this type of finish is produced
by the pattern of the concrete form being
mirrored on to the concrete surface. It
may be the most economical form of
production, provided adequate measures
are taken to avoid the need for remedial
work after stripping. (CCANZ, 1989)
During construction much care was given
to detailing such as joints, edges and
corners and to keep the surfaces clean.
Further the water/cement ratio was
maintained at a low range with uniform
consolidation while casting. Stripping of
formwork was also done with much
attention to not damage the surface.

Figure 3.7 Off-form finish of a CKE Toll Gate Structure

4.0 Discussion

The inspiration from ancient Sri Lankan architectural features has not only made the structures
visually attractive but also made structural designs forthright. Adopting ancient architectural concepts
and successfully accommodating those structurally using modern materials has been proven to be
highly effective, for instance the design of having the toll booth conveniently placed in between the
double restrained columns has given the booth protection from a possible collision thus the need for
concrete barriers has been eliminated.

Using precast piles instead of in-situ for regions with weak soils has helped in expediting the project
thus saving time and cost.

Adopting off-form finishing technique has given the project a boost in saving time and cost as there
were no need for a finishes stage upon the completion of the superstructure.
References

CCANZ. (1989). Specification and Production of Concrete Surface Finishes . Information Bulletin IB
33.

Fernando, S. (2010). Toll Gate Design. Colombo : Civil & Structural Engineering Consultans .

Fernando, S. (2012). Colombo-Katunayake Expressway Toll Plazas. Colombo: Civil & Structural
Engineering Consultants .

Acknowledgements

 Architect Dr. Janaka Wijesundara (University of Moratuwa)

 Eng. Mr. Nimal Chandrasiri (Project Director/RDA)
 Eng Mr. M.P.K.L Guneratne (Project Director/RDA)
 Mr. Dong Heping (Country Representative/MCC)