Fundamentals of Bridge Design
Introduction
Yohannes Gudeta
Mar 2024
Introduction
• A bridge is an elevated structure that crosses over a
river, depression, bay or other obstructions and
permitting the smooth and safe passage of vehicles,
trains and pedestrians.
Introduction
• Bridge engineering is one of the fascinating fields in civil
engineering calling for expertise in many areas: structural
analysis and design, geotechnical, traffic projection,
surveying, runoff calculation and methods of construction.
Introduction
• Bridge engineering Covers
– Planning,
– Design,
– Construction and
– Operation of structures that carry
facilities for the movement of humans,
animals, or materials over natural or
created obstacles.
Introduction
• Bridges are a complex engineering problems and
expensive civil engineering structures.
• A bridge is a key element in a transportation system for
three reasons:
– If bridge fails, the system fails
– It is the highest cost per mile of the system
– It likely controls the capacity of the system
• Therefore, bridge designer has control over the capacity, cost and
Safety.
Bridges vs. Buildings
• Bridges typically do not have architects:
– Structural Engineer is responsible for aesthetics
– Structural system is always exposed (both good
and bad)
Bridges vs. Buildings
• Bridges are owned by the public;
– Focus is primarily on lowest initial
cost, with aesthetics playing a minor
role if any at all.
Bridges vs. Buildings
• Bridges are exposed to the elements
– Expansion and contraction due to temperature
Changes is a major concern.
– Durability is a major design consideration.
– Routine inspection and maintenance (initial
versus life-cycle cost).
– Load conditions,
Bridges vs. Buildings
Bridges vs. Buildings
Classification of Bridges
• Bridges can be classified on the basis of the
following characteristics;
– Construction material as Steel, Concrete, Timber or
combination of any two or more.
– Span length as short, medium or large.
– Structural forms as Slab, T-Girder, Box Girder, Arch,
Suspension etc.
– Span type as single or multi-span.
Bridge Site selection
❑ A straight reach of the river
❑ Minimum disturbing influence of larger tributaries
❑ well defined banks
❑ reasonably straight approach roads
❑ permits as perpendicular a crossing as possible
❑ Availability of local materials
❑ Traffic needs
❑ Foundation conditions
❑ Vertical and horizontal alignment
❑ Less river training methods such as riprap, gabions etc
Selection of Bridges
• Criteria to select a bridge structure
include:
– Economy and
– Ease of maintenance and construction,
– Aesthetics, etc.
Bridge span determination
❑ Economy
❑ Hydraulic requirement
❑ Location of the bridge site
❑ Location of Piers
❑ Free board
❑ Grade requirement of the road
Design Philosophy
• As stated in article 2.5.2 (AASHTO). Bridges shall be designed
for specified limit states to achieve the Design objectives of:
✓ Constructability,
✓ Safety
✓ Serviceability
✓ Durability
✓ Inspect ability
✓ Economy and
✓ Aesthetics
Design Philosophy
• Limit State Design:
– The design specifications for different limit states
per Table 3-1, ERA Bridge Design Manual, 2002, are
adopted.
– Strength Limit State
– Serviceability Limit State: condition of the bridge
during the service period
– Fatigue Limit State
Design Philosophy
• Load factors and load combinations:
– In LRFD method, load factors are applied
to the loads and resistance factors to the
internal resistances or capacities of
sections.
– Moreover, the load combinations and load
factors are considered accordingly.
Design Philosophy
• Load factors (ERA Bridge Design Manual
2002, Table 3-2)
– In practice the applied load may be greater
than the characteristic load for any of the
following reasons:
• Calculation errors
• Constructional inaccuracies
• Unforeseen increases in load
Components of a Bridge Structure
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Wearing Surface
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Lateral Bracing
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Pier and Pedestals
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Back Wall & Wing Wall
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Pier & Pier Cap
Components of a Bridge Structure
o Single Column Pier Supporting Pre stressed Concrete
Bridge