BRIDGE DESIGN PROJECT

REPORT

New Alignment near Confluence of Shilabati and

Dwarakeswar Rivers
(Formation of Rupnarayan River near Ghatal, West Bengal)

Submitted by:

SIDHARTH RANJAN SINGH

Roll No.: 25CE65R04

Department of Civil Engineering

Contents

Abstract 1

1 Introduction 2
1.1 Site Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Existing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Site Data Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Design Requirements 3
2.1 Design Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Design Calculations and Steps 4

3.1 Step 1: Determination of Finished Road Level (FRL) . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Step 2: Selection of Superstructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Step 3: Superstructure Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.4 Step 4: Substructure Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.5 Step 5: Hydraulic Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.6 Step 6: Material and Design Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.7 Step 7: General Arrangement Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4 Summary of Design Data 7

5 Conclusion 8

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Abstract

This project report presents the design and planning of a new bridge alignment located
near the confluence of the Shilabati and Dwarakeswar Rivers, which together form the
Rupnarayan River in West Bengal, India. The site lies near Ghatal town and covers a total
alignment of approximately 500 m. The surrounding terrain is primarily agricultural,
and the project aims to establish a safe and efficient crossing that accommodates both
vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The design includes determination of the finished road level (FRL), hydraulic clear-
ance, superstructure and substructure type selection, span arrangement, and major struc-
tural dimensions. The bridge is designed to be hydraulically safe, structurally sound, and
economically feasible as per Indian Roads Congress (IRC) recommendations.

Keywords: Bridge Design, Shilabati River, Dwarakeswar River, Rupnarayan River,

RCC, PSC, IRC Codes, West Bengal.

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1. Introduction

Bridges play a vital role in transportation infrastructure, connecting regions separated by

natural obstacles like rivers and valleys. The confluence of the Shilabati and Dwarakeswar
rivers near Ghatal, West Bengal, presents an important site for bridge construction due
to frequent flooding and limited connectivity.

1.1. Site Description

The Shilabati River originates in the Purulia district of West Bengal and flows through
Bankura and Paschim Medinipur districts. The Dwarakeswar River also originates near
Purulia. The two rivers converge near Ghatal town to form the Rupnarayan River, which
ultimately joins the Hooghly River near Kolaghat.

1.2. Existing Conditions

The surrounding area is mainly agricultural, with gentle slopes and periodic flooding
during the monsoon. There is an existing rural road on one side of the confluence, but
no direct crossing to the opposite bank. The proposed alignment is approximately 500 m
in length and will provide an essential link to regional road networks.

1.3. Site Data Summary

• Location: Near Ghatal, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal.

• Terrain: Predominantly agricultural land.

• Existing Road Level (ERL): 105 m.

• Average Field Level: 103 m.

• River Bed Level: 98 m.

• High Flood Level (HFL): 105 m.

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2. Design Requirements

The bridge design must satisfy the following requirements:

• Safe passage for double-lane traffic and pedestrians.

• Adequate freeboard above the high flood level.

• Economical design ensuring ease of construction.

• Compliance with relevant Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards.

• Durability against environmental effects such as flooding, scour, and corrosion.

2.1. Design Inputs

• Carriageway: Double lane (7.5 m width)

• Footpath: 1.5 m wide (left side) with crash barrier and railing

• Total Width of Deck: 9.0 m

• Total Bridge Length: 500 m (approx.)

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3. Design Calculations and Steps

3.1. Step 1: Determination of Finished Road Level (FRL)

According to IRC:5–2015, the minimum freeboard above high flood level (HFL) must be
1.0 m for major bridges.

FRL = HFL + Freeboard = 105 + 1.0 = 106.0 m

Adopted Finished Road Level (FRL) = 106.0 m.

This provides adequate clearance against flood levels and ensures safe movement of
vehicles during extreme hydrological events.

3.2. Step 2: Selection of Superstructure

The 500 m total bridge length is divided into several segments to achieve economy and
practical construction lengths.

Table 3.1: Span Arrangement and Type of Superstructure

Span Type Structure Type Span (m) No. of Spans

Approach Spans RCC Solid Slab 10 2
Transition Spans RCC T-Beam 20 2
Main River Spans PSC I-Girder 40 5

Total Length = 10 + 20 + (40 × 5) + 20 + 10 = 500 m

This combination allows shorter spans near the approaches and longer spans across the
river, optimizing material use and construction cost.

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 Table 3.2: Superstructure Components and Dimensions

Type Span (m) Width (m) Structural Form Depth (m)

RCC Slab 10 9.0 Solid Slab Deck 0.45
RCC T-Beam 20 9.0 3 Girders @3.0m c/c 0.9
PSC I-Girder 40 9.0 5 Girders @1.8m c/c 1.8

3.3. Step 3: Superstructure Details

3.4. Step 4: Substructure Design

• Abutments: RCC spill-through abutments with top RL at 105 m, wall thickness

of 1.0 m.

• Piers: RCC circular piers of 1.5 m diameter, height 6–7 m.

• Pier Caps: RCC rectangular, 1.0 m × 1.5 m × deck width.

• Bearings: Elastomeric bearings for RCC spans and POT–PTFE bearings for PSC
spans.

• Foundations: Open footing for abutments, pile foundation (Ø1 m, 3×3 group) for
river piers.

3.5. Step 5: Hydraulic Clearance

River Bed Level = 98 m, HFL = 105 m, FRL = 106 m

Freeboard = FRL − HFL = 1.0 m

Hence, the soffit of the deck is fixed at 105 m, maintaining the minimum required free-
board.

3.6. Step 6: Material and Design Standards

• Concrete Grades:

– RCC Components – M30

– PSC Components – M45

• Steel Reinforcement: Fe500

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 • Design Codes Used:

– IRC:5 – 2015 (General Features of Design)

– IRC:6 – 2017 (Loads and Load Combinations)

– IRC:21 – 2000 (Plain and Reinforced Concrete)

– IRC:112 – 2011 (PSC Code)

3.7. Step 7: General Arrangement Summary

• Total bridge length: 500 m

• Overall deck width: 9.0 m

• Carriageway: 7.5 m (two-lane)

• Footpath: 1.5 m (left side)

• Finished Road Level (FRL): 106 m

• High Flood Level (HFL): 105 m

• River Bed Level: 98 m

• Maximum Pier Height: 8 m

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4. Summary of Design Data

Table 4.1: Overall Bridge Design Summary

Parameter Value / Description

Total Bridge Length 500 m
Carriageway Width 7.5 m (Two-lane)
Footpath Width 1.5 m (Left side)
Overall Width 9.0 m
Finished Road Level (FRL) 106.0 m
High Flood Level (HFL) 105.0 m
River Bed Level 98.0 m
Maximum Pier Height 8 m (approx.)
Superstructure Type RCC Slab, RCC T-Beam, PSC I-Girder
Substructure Type RCC Abutments and Circular Piers
Foundation Type Open (Abutments) / Pile (Piers)
Bearing Type Elastomeric / POT-PTFE
Freeboard 1.0 m
Design Concrete Grades M30 (RCC), M45 (PSC)
Reinforcement Grade Fe500 Steel
Design Codes Used IRC:5, IRC:6, IRC:21, IRC:112

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5. Conclusion

A bridge of total length 500 m and overall width 9.0 m has been designed near the
confluence of the Shilabati and Dwarakeswar Rivers to form the Rupnarayan River. The
proposed finished road level of 106 m ensures 1 m freeboard above the high flood level of
105 m.
The bridge comprises RCC slab spans for approaches, RCC T-beam spans for transi-
tions, and PSC I-girder spans over the main river channel. Pile foundations are proposed
beneath river piers to resist scour and provide stability during high discharge. The cho-
sen materials and design parameters conform to relevant IRC codes, ensuring safety,
durability, and economy.
This design can serve as a prototype for medium-span river bridges in flood-prone
areas of West Bengal, enhancing regional connectivity and flood resilience.

— End of Report —