BRIDGE CAT N#1:

QUESTION1

A. Explain how the cost and aesthetics can be complementary./4

Ans/

• Bridges of aesthetic merit need not be more expensive than ugly bridges. For example the shape of a parapet,
abutment or pier might have a negligible impact on costs but a significant improvement visually.

• However if a bridge is designed to be as cheap as possible then it is unlikely that it will be of aesthetic value. This is not
to say that the cheapest bridge is necessarily the ugliest bridge, however it does mean that cost and aesthetics as
driving forces in the design process need to be balanced.
B. Explain on which basis the bridge materials are selected?/3

Ans./ . The size of the span required.

• The topography either side of the span.

• Local geology.
• The load to be carried.
• The nature of the load.
• The nature of the land or water being crossed.

C. Explain the following terms: 1. small bridge, 2. pier, 3. Bridge substructure/3

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Ans. /1. small bridge:
.Overall length of the bridge between the inner faces of dirt walls is up to 30m and where individual span is not more than
10m.see also the following.
•Minor bridge - Total length up to 60m

•Major bridge - Total length greater than 60m

•Culvert: A cross drainage structure having total length of 6 m or less between inner faces of dirt wall.

•Foot Bridge: A bridge extensively used for carrying pedestrians, cycles and animals.

•High Level Bridge : A bridge, which carries the roadway above H.F.L. of the channel.

•Submersible Bridge: A bridge designed to be overtopped during floods. Vented Causeway

2. pier:

A part of the substructure which supports the superstructure at the end of the span and which transfers loads on the
superstructure to the foundations.

3. Bridge substructure: That part of the structure,ie piers and abatments, which supports the superstructure and which
transfers the structural load to the foundations.

It is a part of the bridge which is used to support the superstructure of bridge. It is used to transfer the superstructure load
into the foundation. The substructure is composed by the pier and abutment. The superstructure is composed by the
beam/girder, deck, parapets, and railings.

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

QUESTION 2

A. Present the sketches of 3 typical sections of R.C. bridges/3

Ans/

B. Explain briefly what the load model 2 is and how it is used in design of the bridge according to EUROCODES./7

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

See also load model n01, n03 and n04 !!!

BRIDGE CAT :2013

QUESTION 1

a. Explain briefly what you understand by bridge efficiency/2

Ans /A bridge's structural efficiency is the ratio of load carried to bridge weight, given a specific set of material types.
Edited by piane: refer to class notes
b. What is the most important parameter characterizing a bridge ./1.

Its span length

c. Explain three of factors influencing the selection of a bridge type./3

. The size of the span required.

• The topography either side of the span.

• Local geology.
• The load to be carried.
• The nature of the load.
• The nature of the land or water being crossed.

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

 .The visibility or visual presence of the structure.
It should be understood that all these factors will have a powerful influence on the choice of bridge type, however in most
instances it is span length that is the most significant factor in determining the form (and cost) of a bridge.

QUESTION 2:( CALCUL)

BRIDGE EXAM
SECTION A

QUESTION 1

A. Give four main factors used in describing a bridge /4

Ans/
· Span (simple, continuous, cantilever),
· Material (stone, concrete, metal, etc.),
· Placement of the travel surface in relation to the structure (deck, pony, through),
· Form (beam, arch, truss, etc.).

B.CALCUL

SECTION B

QUESTION 2

a.Explain the following terms

1.Foot bridge 2.Carriageway 3.Serviceability criteria 4.Span

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Ans/1.Foot bridge: A footbridge or pedestrian bridge is a bridge designed for pedestrians and in some cases cyclists, animal traffic
and horseriders, rather than vehicular traffic. Footbridges complement the landscape and can be used decoratively to visually link
two distinct areas or to signal a transaction. In many developed countries, footbridges are both functional and can be beautiful
works of art and sculpture. For poor rural communities in the developing world, a footbridge may be a community's only access to
medical clinics, schools and markets, which would otherwise be unreachable when rivers are too high to cross.

See also highway bridge and railway bridge!!!! page 78/120

Ans/2.Carriageway:

Ans/3.Serviceability criteria: The SLS criterion that might need to be considered in simplified design is the limitation that stresses in
steel should not exceed the yield stress.

4.Span: one part of the bridge superstructure.

b. Give 2 most common causes of premature RC deck failure and explain/4

•1) Insufficient concrete strength from an improper mix design, too much water, improper amounts of air entraining admixtures,
segregation, or improper curing.

•2) Improper concrete placement, such as failure to consolidate the mix as the concrete is placed, pouring the concrete so slowly
that the concrete begins the initial set, or not maintaining a placement rate.

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

•3) Insufficient concrete cover due to improper screed settings or incorrect installation of the deck forms and/or reinforcement.

c. Give two types of the bridge by aspect, their sketches and present their merits and merits/8

1.Cantilever bridge

Advantages of cantilevers
• Building out from each end enables construction to be done with little disruption to navigation below. The span can be
greater than that of a simple beam, because a beam can be added to the cantilever arms. Cantilever bridges are very
common over roads. Because the beam is resting simply on the arms, thermal expansion and ground movement are fairly
simple to sustain. The supports can be simple piers, because there is no horizontal reaction. Cantilever arms are very rigid,
because of their depth.

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

 Disadvantages of cantilevers

• Like beams, they maintain their shape by the opposition of large tensile and compressive forces, as well as shear, and are
therefore relatively massive. Truss construction is used in the larger examples to reduce the weight.

• The cantilever bridge is a bridge formed by two projecting beams or trusses that are joined in the center by a connecting
member and are supported on piers that are anchored by balancing members. In other words, there are two beams with
a tower that holds them together in the middle, and there are weights on each end to balance it.

2.SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Advantages of suspension bridges

• The main sustaining members, the cables or chains, are purely in tension, and are not required to be rigid, so they can be
only as thick as needed to resist the tension. The towers are almost purely in compression, so their design is relatively simple.

Disadvantages of suspension bridges

• They are only as rigid as the deck structure, which in older structures was usually of truss construction. This makes them
generally unsuitable for railway traffic.
• Great attention is required in the design stage to deal with aerodynamic loads and, in the smaller sizes, periodic loads
applied by pedestrians.
• During construction, the cables and towers may be susceptible to wind induced oscillations. The anchorages must
sustain very strong horizontal forces as well as vertical ones. Constructing the cables or chains across the gap can be
a lengthy process.

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Only theory questions are written here!!!. Search for calculation questions.

QUESTION 3

a. Give three principles of a good aesthetics design and explain

ans/ Proportion: Proportion is a method of creating a sense of order by assigning appropriate

relative sizes to the various elements. The goal is appropriate proportions between the various
parts of a structure: between its height, width, and depth; between solids and voids; between
surfaces and openings; and between areas of sunlight and shadow

Scale: Scale refers to the size relationship among various features of the highway and between
the highway and its surroundings. Since most design concerns itself with things that are to be
used by people, a connection exists between the human body and designed objects. We often
refer to structures that respond to the size of the human form as having human scale.

Contrast: Contrast relieves the monotony of simple harmony by complementing the

characteristics of some design elements with their opposites. This adds a heightened awareness
of each other. Contrast often takes the form of dramatic differences in color or light and shadow.

Color :plays both a practical role and an aesthetic role in either by tone or color contrast, and
when viewed the design of bridges. The perception of color conjures from head on. Color
contrasts also call attention to an immediate and rudimentary emotional response and shape as
the outlines are accentuated. is a means of conveying visual information .Color is not simply
cosmetic; when used with understanding, color can be applied to define, clarify, modify,
accentuate, or subdue the visual effects of structural elements. Warm colors (reds, yellows,
browns) tend to emphasize the presence and size of forms, whereas cool colors (blues, greens,
purples) diminish the visual importance of elements to which they are applied.

b. Give and explain 4 main stages in design of the beam of RC beam bridge /6

c. Present the sketches of two typical sections of the reinforced concrete bridge/5/ answered above

QUESTION 4

a. Which quantity are involved in establishing cost estimate of the bridge/5

A. Conceptual Stage – During the conceptual stage of a project, estimated quantities may be
required to arrive at an estimated cost. The need for conceptual stage quantities will be
determined by the Bridge Projects Unit.
B. Preliminary Plan Stage – Upon completion of the preliminary plan, estimated quantities may
be required to arrive at an estimated cost. The need for preliminary plan stage quantities will be
determined by the Bridge Projects Unit.
C. Design Stage – If requested, quantity calculations shall be made, reviewed, and submitted to
the Bridge Projects Unit by the Bridge Design Unit as the design progresses. The first submittal
of estimated quantities shall be made as soon as the major dimensions of the structure are

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Only theory questions are written here!!!. Search for calculation questions.

determined.
As refinements in the design are made, quantities varying more than 10 percent from those
previously submitted shall be resubmitted.
D. Final Contract Quantities – Upon completion of structural design and plans, the quantities
of materials and work items involved in the construction of the project shall be computed,.

b. Give and explain 2 factors for the selection of the type of bridge /6 answered above

c. What do you understand by live load in bridge structure analysis/

d.What is the the primary objective of bridge maintenance and which are 4 major tasks of the
bridge inspection./6

The primary objective of bridge maintenance is to ensure public safety. Proper

maintenance also reduces life cycle costs and earns public confidence.
The major tasks of the bridge inspection are the following:
 To locate bridge components that require repairs in order to avoid replacement;
 Identify unsafe conditions, prepare accurate condition reports, and recommend corrective
actions;
 To investigate more serious damage and its effect on the structure; and
 To generate accurate bridge records. To identify minor problems that can be corrected before
they develop into major repairs;

QUESTION 5.

a.Explain how briefly the insulation of the surfacing of the the deck is done./5

b.Explain briefly what the load model 1 is and how it is used in design of the bridge according to
eurocodes./12

EXAM 2013-2014
SECTON A

QUESTION 1.

a.Give 3 main factors used in describing a bridge /3

· Span (simple, continuous, cantilever),

· Material (stone, concrete, metal, etc.),
· Placement of the travel surface in relation to the structure (deck, pony, through),
· Form (beam, arch, truss, etc.).

b.Define and explain the following terms/3

1.Highway bridge 2.Bridges strutural efficiency 3.Bridge maintenance

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Only theory questions are written here!!!. Search for calculation questions.

1.Highway bridge:
•A highway bridge is a major road structure that is designed to go either over or underneath an
obstacle. For example, cars can use a highway bridge in order to cross over a body of water or
other traffic lanes. Most highway bridges are not used by pedestrians and do not contain
pedestrian walking paths. Instead, they are usually intended to allow vehicles, such as
passenger cars or semi-trucks, to safely cross over or under the obstacle.

The structural design of a highway bridge can vary greatly, depending on its length, location,
anticipated load weight, and width requirements.

c. Explain how the cost and aesthetics are complementary/2 answered above

SECTON B

QUESTION 2.

a.What is the basis of the bridge design /2

b.When is prestressed concrete used in bridge design and construction/2

Ans/ Prestressed concrete is a concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable magnitude and
distribution are introduced so that the stresses resulting from external loads are counteracted
to a desired degree. In RC members, the prestress is commonly introduced by tensioning the
steel reinforcement.

ADVANTAGES OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE.

•The cross-section is more efficiently utilized when compared with a reinforced concrete
section which is cracked under working loads.
•Saving in the use of materials.
•Improved resistance to shearing forces
•Prestressed members are ligther and slender than those with reinforced concrete.
•Improved durability of the structure under aggressive environmental conditions.
•Prestressing of concrete improves the ability of the material for energy absorption under
impact loads.

c.Why do we need hydraulic calculations during planning and design of the bridge /2

Hydraulics is the essential feature of bridge design. Fair assessment of flood levels, maximum
flood discharge expected to occur at bridge site during design life of bridge, and maximum

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Only theory questions are written here!!!. Search for calculation questions.

scour levels are essential aspects of bridge hydraulics. Faulty determination of these
parameters may lead to failure of structures. see also note!

d.Explain on which basis the bridge is selected/2 answered above

e.Present the sketches of two typical sections of the reinforced bridge ./6 answered above

QUESTION 3.

a. What do we call a slab bridge/2

Longitudinally reinforced slab bridges have the simplest superstructure configuration and the
neatest appearance. They generally require more reinforcing steel and structural concrete
than do girder-type bridges of the same span. However, the design details and formworks
are easier and less expensive.

• It has been found economical for simply supported spans up to 9 m and for
continuous spans up to 12 m. see also T- beam bridge,...

QUESTION 4.

a. Explain briefly what the load model 2 is and how it is used in design of the bridge according to
EUROCODES./3 answered above

b.Give and explain 2 factors affecting the bridge construction cost/2

A. Type of Structure – Many factors, as outlined in Section 2.2.3, must be considered in the
selection of the type, size, and location of a bridge or wall.
Common structures with conventional details will be within the low end and mid-range of costs.
Unique or complex structures will be within the high end.
B. Location of Project Site – Projects in remote areas or with difficult access will generally be
within or above the high end of the cost range.
C. Size of Project Contract – Small projects tends to be within the high end of the cost range
while large projects tend to be within the low end of the cost range.
D. Foundation Requirements – Foundation requirements greatly affect costs. Water crossings
requiring pier construction within the waterway are generally very expensive. Scour
requirements can push the costs even higher. The earlier foundation information can be made
available the more accurate the cost estimate will be. The Bridge Projects Unit should be made
aware of unusual foundation requirements or changes to foundation type as soon as possible for
updating of the estimate.
E. Sequencing of Project – Projects with stage construction, detours, temporary construction,
etc., will be more expensive.

Edited by piane: refer to class notes

Only theory questions are written here!!!. Search for calculation questions.

c.In the T beam bridge superstructure,what is the role of cross beams/2

Cross beams are provided mainly to stiffen the girders and to reduce torsion in the exterior
girders. These are essential over the supports to prevent lateral spread of the girders at the
bearings. Another function of the cross beams is to equalize three deflections of the girders
carrying heavy loading with those of the girders with less loading.

d. Give names and sketches of any 2 types of bridge and present a comparative analysis between
them./3 answered above. see also notes!

Edited by piane: refer to class notes