Bridges

Bridge is a structure which provides passage over the obstacles like valley, river, road or railway
track without closing the way underneath. Initially fallen trees and wooden logs were used as
bridges.
Components of Bridge

1. Foundation, 2. Abutment, 3. Pier, 4. Bearing, 5. Deck Slab, 6. Roadway, 7. Railing.

1. Superstructure
The components of a bridge structure above the
level of bearings are called superstructure. Its
main parts are decking consisting of slab, girder,
trusses, handrails, guard stones, etc.
2. Substructure
The components of a bridge structure below the
level of bearings are called substructure. Its main
parts are abutments, piers, wing walls,
foundations, etc.
History of Bridge Development
•Primitive Peoples:
–Fallen trees or Logs of wood
–Intertwined Ropes
–Slabs of Rocks

•Roman Empire—First Great Bridge Builders

–Timber Truss Bridges
–Masonry Arch Bridges

•Europeans
–Followed HRE Until Iron and Steel Use

•Nineteenth Century
–Modern Long Bridges
–Moveable Bridges
Log Bridges
Rope Bridges
Wadi Rum Rock Bridge
Classification of Bridges

1. Purpose

i)Road bridges,

ii)Railway bridges,

iii) Foot bridges,

iv)Aquaduct (for carrying canal water across a valley),

v)Viaduct (for taking roads across dry valleys).

2. Alignment
i) Square Bridge :If the bridge is at right angles to the obstacle it is
termed as square bridge.
ii) Skew Bridge: If the bridge is not at right angles to the obstacle it is
termed as skew bridge.
3. Nature of life

i) Permanent Bridges
Permanent bridges are seen along highways and railways which are
built with masonry, RCC or steel with strong foundation.

ii) Temporary Bridges

Temporary bridges are built during military operations or during
project execution. They are meant for dismantling after the purpose of
construction is satisfied.
4. Span
i) Culverts
Span less than 8m
ii) Minor Bridges
Span between 8m to 30m
iii) Major Bridges
Span between 30m to 120m
iv) Long Span Bridges

Span more than 120m

5. Position of High Flood Level
i) Submersible Bridges
Flow of water above the bridge deck is permitted in heavy rainy
seasons. They are built for roads of lesser importance.
ii) Non-Submersible Bridges
Flow of water above the bridge deck is not permitted in all
seasons.

6. Fixed or Movable Bridges

Normally fixed bridges are built. Movable bridges are built across
navigable channels so as to avoid obstacles to navigation.
Movable Bridges
i) Swing Bridges
In swing bridges there is a disc bearing placed over the central pier
on which two pans of continuous trusses are provided. By an
arrangement of rotating gear, the whole truss rotates
horizontally through 90°.
ii) Lift Bridges
A vertical lift bridge consists of a roadway truss, which is lifted up by
means of cables passing over pulleys attached to each of the two
tall towers erected at either ends. These cables are connected to
counter weights at the other end.
iii) Bascule Bridges
Entire superstructure is rotated in vertical plane upto 70° to 80°.
Suitable hinges and counter weights are provided for easy
operations.
7. Location of Bridge Floor
i) Deck Bridge
These are the bridges whose road level or formation, on which
vehicles pass are supported at the top of superstructure. For
example, arch bridge, girder bridge, rigid frame bridge, etc.
ii) Through Bridge
These are the bridges whose road level or formation, on which
vehicles pass are supported at the bottom of superstructure. For
example, trussed through bridge, suspension bridges, bow string
bridge, etc.
iii) Semi-Through Bridge
These are the bridges whose road level or formation, on which
vehicles pass are supported at some intermediate level of
superstructure. For example, truss bridge, girder bridges, etc.
8. Superstructure
i) Rigid Frame Bridges
It consists of a longitudinal continuous member rigidly connected
with the vertical or inclined members upon which it rests,
resembling a portal frame. They are suitable for spans upto 20m.
ii) Truss Bridges
For rail-road or long railway bridges of spans 100m to 200m, truss
bridges are found suitable and expedient due to relative lightness of
its component parts.
iii) Cantilever Bridges
It is a bridge built using cantilevers (structures that project
horizontally into space) supported on only one end. Entire
superstructure can be rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane
when required.
iv) Arch Bridges
These bridges are one of the oldest and common type of bridges.
They are more graceful, pleasing in appearance and well suited for
deep gorges with rocky sides. They are economical upto 200m span.
v) Suspension Bridges
Suspension bridges are long span bridges, generally they are single
span bridges. The roadway is suspended from the two main cables
by means of suspenders. Sometimes the side spans are suspended
from the back stays. They are easily adopted at places where it is
difficult to adopt other types of bridges.
vi) Cable Stayed Bridges
It is the youngest member of family of long span bridges upto 500m.
It has graceful and delicate appearance, well adopted to urban and
rustic environment. They consist of cables provided above deck and
are connected to towers. All the cables are connected at a point as a
bunch or at different levels.
9. Materials

i) Timber Bridges

ii) Masonry Bridges

iii) Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) bridges

iv) Steel Bridges

v) Pre-stressed Concrete (PSC) Bridges