PROPOSAL OF NEW BOWSTRING BRIDGE AT

NERIAMANGALAM
A PROJECT REPORT

submitted by
ABHIRAMI M J
AKHIL JAMES

BADUSHA C S
SAYANTHANA SATHEESLAL

to
the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree
of
Bachelor of Technology
In
Civil Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Mar Athanasius College of Engineering,
Kothamangalam. Kerala State, PIN 686666
DECEMBER 2023
 MAR ATHANASIUS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
KOTHAMANGALAM,
KERALA STATE, PIN 686 666
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the seminar report entitled “Proposal of New Bowstring
Bridge At Neriamangalam” was presented by Abhirami M J
(MAC20CE002) , Akhil James (LMAC20CE119) , Badusha C S
(LMAC20CE124) , Sayanthana Satheeslal (MAC20CE104) to the APJ Abdul
Kalam Technological University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
award of the Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering is a
bonafide record of the seminar work carried out by her/he under our guidance
and supervision.

Project Guide: Seminar-in-charge HOD

Nidhin B Parappattu Nidhin B Parappattu Dr.Elson John,

Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor, Head of the Department,
Dept. of Civil Engg., Dept. of Civil Engg., Dept. of Civil Engg.,
M.A.C.E., M.A.C.E., M.A.C.E.,
Kothamangalam. Kothamangalam. Kothamangalam
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost, we sincerely thank ‘God Almighty’ for his blessings and grace during
preparation and presentation of our project.

We express our sincere gratitude and thanks to Dr. Bos Mathew Jos, Principal and
Dr. Elson John, Head of the Department for providing the necessary facilities and their
encouragement and support. We owe special thanks to the project coordinator Prof.
Nidhin B Parappattu for his suggestions and sincere efforts to co-ordinate the project.

We are deeply graceful to our project guide Prof. Nidhin B Parappattu for his excellent
guidance, constant encouragement, timely suggestions, and constructive feedback which
led to the completion of project work.

We express our sincere thanks to the staff members in the Department of Civil
Engineering who have taken sincere efforts in guiding and correcting us in conducting
this project.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge the heartfelt efforts, comments, criticisms, co-
operation, and tremendous support given to us by my dear friends during the preparation
of the project and during the presentation without which this work would have been even
more difficult to accomplish.

ABHIRAMI M J

AKHIL JAMES

BADUSHA C S

SAYANTHANA SATHEESLAL

iii
 ABSTRACT

A bridge is a structure built to span a body of water, valley, road or any other physical
obstacles, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacles. The Neriamangalam
Bridge is a bridge in the South Indian state of Kerala, that connects
the Ernakulam and Idukki districts opened in 1935. It is the first Class A arch bridge in
Asia with length 214m. It is a single lane bridge with width 4.9m. Due to its short
carriageway width the road have been facing heavy traffic congestions. So we are
planning to propose a new bowstring bridge parallel to the existing one.

A bowstring bridge is a type of arch bridge where the horizontal forces generated by the
arches are counteracted by the tension in the arch itself, gravity, and elements of the deck
structure. The arches have reinforced chords that connect to the deck or independent tie-
rods beneath the arch ends to provide additional support. The elimination of horizontal
forces at the abutments allows tied-arch bridges to be constructed with less robust
foundations, thus they can be situated atop elevated piers or in areas of unstable soil. In
this project we are attempting to design and analyze a five span bowstring bridge using
SAP 2000 v14 software based on the design parameters which includes the shear force,
bending moment and displacement due to various loads as per IRC codes.

Keywords: Bowstring bridge,

iv
 CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iii

ABSTRACT iv

LIST OF TABLES v

LIST OF FIGURES vi

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 NEED FOR THE PROJECT

1

3 OBJECTIVE 1

4 SCOPE OF WORK
1

5 METHODOLOGY 2

6 BOWSTRING BRIDGE 2

7 STUDY ON SOFTWARE: SAP2000 v14 3

8 IRC STANDARD LIVE LOADS 4

9 SITE VISIT 5

10 CONCLUSION 6

v
 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig.1 Valiyazheekkal Bridge,Alappuzha 3

Fig.2 Site visit 5

Fig.3 Heavy vehicles through the bridge 6

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Proposal of New Bowstring Bridge at Neriamangalam

1. INTRODUCTION

The Neriamangalam Bridge is a bridge in the South Indian state of Kerala, that connects
the Ernakulam and Idukki districts opened in 1935. It is the first Class A arch bridge in
Asia with length 214m and width 49m. Popularly known as the gateway to the high
ranges, it is located in Neriamangalam and presently a part of NH 85.The bridge was
made by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1935. It is the first Arch bridge in south India &
the gateway to Munnar. The bridge laid across Periyar River (one of the longest river in
Kerala , Length 244km) and its connects two major tourist destinations in Kerala, which
are Munnar and Cochin.

With this project, we aim to propose a new bowstring bridge parallel to

the existing one. New bridge is having length of 214 m with 5 span of 42.8m length and
width of 8 m. It is two lane bridge. we are attempting to design and analyze bowstring
bridge using SAP 2000 v14 software based on the design parameters which includes the
shear force, bending moment and displacement due to various loads as per IRC codes.

2.NEED FOR THE PROJECT

The existing bridge is having carriage width of 4.9m. Due to its short
carriageway width the road have been facing heavy traffic congestions. So we are
planning to propose a new bowstring bridge parallel to the existing one.

3.OBJECTIVE

 To study the features and characteristics of bowstring bridge.

 To study the analysis and design using SAP 2000 v14 Software.

 To reduce the traffic congestion.

4.SCOPE OF WORK

SAP 2000 software is used for analysis.

Dept. of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

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Proposal of New Bowstring Bridge at Neriamangalam
5. METHODOLOGY

1. Topic selection

2. Basic data collection - soil data and basic dimensions

3. Analysis of super structure using SAP 2000 v14 software

4. Design of super structure

5. Analysis of substructure including foundation using SAP2000 v14 software

6. Design of substructure

6. BOWSTRING BRIDGE

A bowstring bridge, also known as a tied-arch bridge, is a specific type of arch bridge
characterized by its distinctive shape, resembling the curve of a bowstring or the string of
a bow. It employs a tied-arch design to distribute forces and support the bridge deck. Here
are some key features and characteristics of a bowstring bridge:

Arch Shape: A bowstring bridge has a pronounced arch shape that curves upward and
outward, with the highest point often near the middle.

Tension Forces: Similar to other arch bridges, the outward horizontal forces on the arch
caused by tension at the arch ends are countered by equal tension forces in the arch itself.

Strengthened Chords: The arches in a bowstring bridge have strengthened horizontal

members called chords. These chords are reinforced to handle the tension forces.

Vertical Ties: Vertical ties are used to transfer the thrusts or forces exerted on the bridge
deck to the arch. They help stabilize and distribute the forces.

Restraint by Strengthened Chord: The movements of the bridge deck are restrained not by
the abutments (supporting structures at the ends of the bridge) but by the strengthened
chord. This chord ties the tips of the arches together, taking the thrusts as tension.

Dept. of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

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Proposal of New Bowstring Bridge at Neriamangalam
Bowstring Design: The design is often referred to as a bowstring-arch or bowstring-girder
bridge, reflecting the resemblance to a bowstring being drawn and under tension.

Bowstring bridges are known for their strength and ability to span long distances, making
them suitable for various settings where a robust and visually appealing bridge is needed.
They have been used in both historical and modern bridge construction, and their unique
design often makes them architectural landmarks. An example of a bowstring bridge in
kerala is Valiyazheekkal Bridge,Alappuzha

Fig,1 Valiyazheekkal Bridge,Alappuzha

7. STUDY ON SOFTWARE : SAP2000 v14

SAP2000 Version 14, developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), is a

comprehensive software tool widely employed in civil engineering for the design and
analysis of structures, including bridges. In this version, users can leverage the software's
capabilities to create sophisticated models of bridge structures, encompassing various
types such as beam bridges, truss bridges, and cable-stayed bridges.

The initial step involves the meticulous process of modelling, wherein users define the
geometric configuration of the bridge using nodes, elements, and supports. Depending on
the bridge type, elements such as beams, columns, slabs, and cables are employed to
accurately represent the physical structure. Once the model is established, material
properties are assigned to structural elements, specifying details about the materials used,
such as concrete or steel, along with their corresponding properties. The subsequent phase
involves the application of loads to the model, encompassing factors like dead loads, live

Dept. of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

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Proposal of New Bowstring Bridge at Neriamangalam
loads, and wind loads, simulating the various forces the bridge may encounter throughout
its operational life.

SAP2000 v14 offers a robust suite of analysis tools, encompassing methodologies like
linear static analysis, nonlinear analysis, and dynamic analysis. These analyses provide
insights into the structural response of the bridge under different loading conditions.
Following the analysis, users can seamlessly transition into the design phase, utilizing
SAP2000's design modules. These modules automate the generation of design results and
facilitate compliance checks with relevant design codes and standards. This iterative
process involves reviewing and, if necessary, optimizing the model to ensure that the
bridge meets stringent safety and performance criteria.

SAP2000 v14 enables the generation of comprehensive reports and documentation

summarizing the analysis and design results. These documents are vital for effective
project communication and regulatory adherence.

8. IRC STANDARD LIVE LOADS

Live loads are those caused by vehicles which pass over the bridge and are transient in
nature. We choose IRC 6 – 2017 for loading. There are four types of standard loadings for
which road bridges are designed.

 IRC CLASS 70R LOADING: This loading is to be normally adopted on all roads
on which permanent bridges and culverts are constructed. Bridges designed for
Class 70R. Loading should be checked for Class A Loading also as under certain
conditions, heavier stresses may occur under Class A Loading.
 IRC CLASS AA LOADING: This loading is to be adopted within certain
municipal limits, in certain existing or contemplated industrial areas, in other
specified areas, and along certain specified highways. Bridges designed for Class
AA Loading should be checked for Class A Loading also, as under certain
conditions, heavier stresses may occur under Class A Loading.
 IRC CLASS A LOADING: This loading is to be normally adopted on all roads on
which permanent bridges and culverts are constructed.

Dept. of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

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Proposal of New Bowstring Bridge at Neriamangalam
 IRC CLASS B LOADING: This loading is to be normally adopted for timber
bridges.
 IRC CLASS SPECIAL VEHICLE (SV) LOADING: This loading is to be adopted
for design of new bridges in select corridors as may be decided by concerned
authorities where passage of trailer vehicles carrying stator units, turbines, heavy
equipment and machinery may occur occasionally. This loading represents a
spectrum of special vehicles in the country and should be considered for inclusion
in the design wherever applicable.

9. SITE VISIT

In December 2023, we visited Neriamangalam, we met the local people over there to
access the necessity of a new bridge. They described the traffic congestions occurring
there. The passage of heavy vehicles through the bridge will cause difficulties for the
vehicles coming in the opposite direction. At this time the two lane bridge act as a single
lane due to the limited carriageway width.

Fig 2: Site visit

Dept. of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam

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Proposal of New Bowstring Bridge at Neriamangalam

Fig 3 : Heavy vehicles through the bridge

10. CONCLUSION

We are studying the different loading classes in SAP2000 software according to IRC 6 –
2017 load classes by modelling a beam bridge.

Dept. of Civil Engineering, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam