ST4091 – DESIGN OF BRIDGE

STRUCTURES
TOPIC: PRESTRESSED
CONCRETE BRIDGES &
STEEL BRIDGES
INTRODUTION
• Bridges are critical infrastructure components that facilitate
transportation and movement of people, goods, and services.
• The design and construction of bridges involve a range of engineering
principles, including structural analysis, material science, and design
principles.
• Prestressed concrete and steel are two popular materials used in the
construction of bridges due to their strength, durability, and versatility.
• Prestressed concrete bridges use the principles of pre-tensioning or
post-tensioning to create compressive stresses in the concrete,
resulting in a stronger and more durable structure.
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE (PSC) BRIDGES:

• PSC bridges are bridges made with prestressed concrete, which is a

technique that involves applying a compressive force to concrete
before it is subjected to external loads.
• PSC bridges are designed to be strong and durable, with long spans
and high load capacity.
• PSC girders are the main components of PSC bridges and are made by
placing high-strength steel strands or bars in the concrete before it
sets.
• The design principles of PSC bridges involve considering factors such
as span length, load capacity, durability, and environmental conditions.
• The design also includes the selection of appropriate materials, such as
concrete and steel, and the application of appropriate prestressing
forces to ensure the desired structural performance.
STEEL BRIDGES:
• Steel bridges are bridges made with steel, which is a high-strength and
durable material that can be fabricated into various shapes and sizes.
• Steel bridges are designed to be strong, flexible, and resistant to
fatigue, corrosion, and environmental factors.
• Plate girder bridges are steel bridges that use plate girders, which are
built-up beams made by welding or bolting steel plates together.
• Box girder bridges are steel bridges that use box girders, which are
closed or open box-shaped beams made by welding or bolting steel
plates together.
• Truss bridges are steel bridges that use trusses, which are triangular
frameworks made of steel members that provide support and stability
to the bridge.
• Vertical and horizontal stiffeners are components of steel bridges that
provide additional strength and stiffness to the bridge, preventing
buckling and deformation under load.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF STEEL BRIDGES:

• The design principles of steel bridges involve considering factors such

as span length, load capacity, environmental conditions, and aesthetics.
• The selection of appropriate materials, such as steel and coatings, is
critical to ensure the desired structural performance and durability.
• Plate girder bridges are designed based on factors such as the
thickness, width, and spacing of the plates, as well as the type and size
of the connections between the plates.
• Box girder bridges are designed based on factors such as the shape,
size, and thickness of the box, as well as the type and size of the
connections between the box and the other components of the bridge.
• Truss bridges are designed based on factors such as the type and size
of the truss members, the spacing and connection of the members, and
the type and size of the connections between the truss and the other
components of the bridge.
• Vertical and horizontal stiffeners are designed based on factors such as
the type and size of the stiffener, the spacing and connection of the
stiffener, and the type and size of the connections between the stiffener
and the other components of the bridge.
PLATE GIRDER BRIDGES:
• Plate girder bridges are steel bridges that use built-up beams made by
welding or bolting steel plates together.
• Plate girders are usually I-shaped or box-shaped and can be fabricated
in various lengths and sizes to span different distances and carry
different loads.
• Plate girder bridges are commonly used for short to medium span
lengths, typically up to 50 meters.
• The design of plate girder bridges involves considering factors such as
span length, load capacity, environmental conditions, and aesthetics.
• The selection of appropriate materials, such as steel and coatings, is
critical to ensure the desired structural performance and durability.
BOX GIRDER BRIDGES:
• Box girder bridges are steel bridges that use box-shaped beams made
by welding or bolting steel plates together.
• Box girder bridges can be closed or open, with closed box girders
providing additional protection against environmental factors such as
moisture and corrosion.
• Box girder bridges are commonly used for medium to long span
lengths, typically between 50 and 200 meters.
• The design of box girder bridges involves considering factors such as
span length, load capacity, environmental conditions, and aesthetics.
• The selection of appropriate materials, such as steel and coatings, is
critical to ensure the desired structural performance and durability.
TRUSS BRIDGES:
• Truss bridges are steel bridges that use triangular frameworks made of
steel members to provide support and stability to the bridge.
• Truss bridges can be of different types, including Pratt, Warren, and
Howe trusses, depending on the arrangement of the members.
• Truss bridges are commonly used for medium to long span lengths,
typically between 30 and 500 meters.
• The design of truss bridges involves considering factors such as span
length, load capacity, environmental conditions, and aesthetics.
• The selection of appropriate materials, such as steel and coatings, is
critical to ensure the desired structural performance and durability.
VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL STIFFENERS:

• Vertical and horizontal stiffeners are components of steel bridges that

provide additional strength and stiffness to the bridge, preventing
buckling and deformation under load.
• Vertical stiffeners are placed perpendicular to the main girders or
trusses, while horizontal stiffeners are placed parallel to the main
girders or trusses.
• The design of vertical and horizontal stiffeners involves considering
factors such as the type and size of the stiffener, the spacing and
connection of the stiffener, and the type and size of the connections
between the stiffener and the other components of the bridge.
• Proper design and installation of vertical and horizontal stiffeners can
improve the overall stability and durability of the bridge, reducing the
risk of structural failure.
CONCLUSION
• Both prestressed concrete and steel are popular materials for building
bridges, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
• The design principles for prestressed concrete bridges involve the use
of pre-tensioning or post-tensioning to create compressive stresses in
the concrete, resulting in a stronger and more durable structure.
• PSC girders are commonly used in prestressed concrete bridges,
providing support for the deck and distributing loads to the
substructure.
• The design principles for steel bridges involve considering factors
such as span length, load capacity, environmental conditions, and
aesthetics, and selecting appropriate materials and structural systems
accordingly.
• Plate girder bridges use built-up beams made by welding or bolting
steel plates together, while box girder bridges use box-shaped beams
made by welding or bolting steel plates together, and truss bridges use
triangular frameworks made of steel members.
• Vertical and horizontal stiffeners are important components of steel
bridges, providing additional strength and stiffness to the bridge and
improving overall stability and durability.