Chapter 1 OVERVIEW OF BRIDGE ENGINEERING

Classification of criteria of bridges, usage, structural forms, span

type, span length, load path, deck type, position; factors affecting the
location, alignment, span, elevation of the bridge; components of a
bridge; superstructure, substructure, and bearings.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, you will be able to:
1. define bridge, and bridge structure;
2. classify the criteria of bridges, usage, structural forms, span type,
span length, load path, deck type, and position.
3. determine the factors affecting the location, alignment, span,
elevation of the bridge.
4. identify the components of a bridge; superstructure, substructure, and
bearings.

LEARNING LESSON

Introduction

For thousands of years, bridges have played a significant role in the

development of every nation, spreading of knowledge, facilitating local and abroad
trade, and the rapid growth of transportation. Initially made of simple materials and
designs, bridges soon evolved, enabling the spanning of long distances over rivers,
gorges, inaccessible terrain, strongly elevated surfaces, and pre-built city
infrastructures.

Starting in the 13th century BC (Greek Bronze Age), stone arched

bridges rapidly spread all around the world, eventually leading to the rise of the use
of steel, iron and other materials in bridges that can span kilometers.

Bridge Engineering is an engineering discipline that branches from civil

engineering and involves the planning, design, construction, operation, and
maintenance of bridges to ensure safe and effective transportation of vehicles, people,
and goods.
1.1 What is Bridge?

 Bridges provide convenience to all who need to cross obstacle that require a
passageway. This passage may be for a road, a railway, pedestrian, a canal,
or pipeline. The obstacle to be crossed may be a river, a road, a railway, or a
valley. This is a structure providing passage over an obstacle without closing
the way beneath.

1
  Bridge structure typically does not involve architects. A structural engineer is
responsible for the aesthetics and ensuring the structural system performs well
in all conditions.

 Bridges bear the primary responsibility for carrying the flow of traffic width of
the bridge (number of lanes) dictates the traffic volume of a road segment. Load
Capacity of vehicles allows limit, often posted, dictates the maximum weight.

 A bridge span, physical obstacles without closing the way underneath, (such as
a body of water, valley, or road), without blocking the passage underneath.

Source: Golden Gate Bridge: Highway and Transportation District.

[Link]

Roles and Responsibilities of a Bridge Engineer

 Bridge engineers are often involved in all aspects of bridge planning, design,
& management.

 This differs from typical buildings. Project architects usually lead a team of
architects, civil, structural, mechanical, & electrical engineers.

 Bridge engineer collaborate closely with civil engineers on roadway

alignment and design.

 After the alignment is determined, the engineer often controls the bridge
type, aesthetics, and technical details.

 Bridge Engineers have significant control over the design, construction, and
maintenance processes.

2
Bridges are classified based on various factors including span, materials, bridge
structures, function, utility, and position. A bridge provides types passage over an
obstruction such as rivers, valleys, rail route or roadways etc.

TYPE OF BRIDGES

Based on Type of Super Structure

Arch bridge
Arch bridge is a
curve shaped
bridge, in which
horizontal thrust is
developed and is
restrained by the
abutments at each
end of the bridge. In
some cases, the
arch may be under Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
the deck slab also. Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Girder bridge

Girder Bridge, the

deck slab is
supported by
means of girders.
The girder may be
of rolled steel girder
or plate girder or
box girder. Load
coming from the
deck are taken by
girder and
Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
transferred them to Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]
the piers and
abutments.

3
Truss bridge
Truss bridge
consists of
connected
elements forming
triangular units. In
truss bridges, the
superstructure is
provided with
trusses. Generally,
trusses are made
of steel. There are
several types of Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
trusses available. Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Suspension bridge

In Suspension
bridge, the deck
slab is suspended
with the help of
cables and
suspenders. These
will give a good
appearance. For
long span bridges,
this type of
suspension is
suitable. Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Based on Materials
Timber Bridge
Bridges constructed
using timber are
called timber
bridges. These are
generally
constructed for short
spans or as
temporary bridges.
They are not
suitable for heavy
loads.

Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,

Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

4
Masonry bridge

Masonry Bridges
are constructed
using bricks or
stones. They
generally used for
short spans and in
shallow canals.

Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,

Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Steel bridge

Steel bridges are

constructed using
steel bars or trusses
or steel cables.
These are more
durable and can
bear heavy loads.
Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

R.C.C Bridge

R.C.C bridges are

constructed using
reinforced cement
concrete. These are
more stable and
durable. They can
bear heavy loads
and are widely used
today.

Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,

Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

5
 Pre-stressed
Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
concrete bridge

If concrete pre-
compressed before
applying the loads,
it is called pre-
stressed concrete.
Prestressed
concrete bridges
are constructed
using pre-stressed
concrete blocks
arranged as a deck
slab with the help of
girders. These Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]
blocks are suitable
for shorter spans
and can be used for
longer spans as
well.

Based on Span
Culvert bridge

A bridge with a
span length of less
than six (6) meters
is called Culvert
Bridge.

Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,

Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Minor bridge

If the bridge’s span

length is between
eight (8) to thirty
(30) meters, it is
called minor
bridge.

6
 Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,
Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Major Bridge

For major bridges,

the span generally
ranges from thirty
(30) to one hundred
twenty (120)
meters.

Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,

Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

Long Span Bridge

When the span of a

bridge exceeds 120
meters it is termed
long-span bridge.

Source: The Constructor: Building Ideas. Types of Bridges Based on Span,

Materials, Structures, Functions, Utility etc. [Link]

7
FORMS OF BRIDGE STRUCTURE

There are six basic forms of bridge structures:

 Beam Bridges
 Truss Bridges
 Arch Bridges
 Cantilever Bridges
 Suspension Bridges
 Cable Stayed Bridges

The six basic forms of bridge structures

Form of Bridge Description

 Beam Bridges Beam bridges – use the simplest design – one or morel
horizontal beams spanning the area between abutments or
relieve some of the pressure on structural piers. The core
force impacting beam bridges is the transformation of
vertical force into shear and flexural loads transferred to the
support structures (abutments or mid-bridge piers).

Because of their simplicity, they were among the oldest

bridges known to man. Initially built by simply dropping
wooden logs over short rivers or ditches, this type of bridge
started being used extensively with the arrival of
metalworks, steel boxes, and pre-stressed construction
concrete. Beam bridges today are separated into girder
bridges, plate girder bridges, box girder bridges and simple
beam bridges.

Individual decking of the segmented beam bridge can be of

the same length, variable lengths, inclined or V-shaped. A
notable example is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in
southern Louisiana that is 23.83 miles (38.35 km) long.

 Truss Bridges Truss bridges – a very popular they use a diagonal mesh
of most often triangle-shaped posts above the bridge to
distribute forces across almost entire bridge structure.
Individual elements of this structure (usually straight beams)
can endure dynamic load of tension and compression, but
by distributing those loads across the entire structure, entire
bridge can handle much stronger forces and heavier loads
than other types of bridges.
The two most common truss design are the king posts (two
diagonal posts supported by single vertical post in the
center) and queen posts (two diagonal posts, two vertical
posts and horizontal post that connect two vertical posts at
the top).

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 Truss bridges utilize various types of trusses including Allan,
Bailey, Baltimore, Bollman, Bowstring, Brown, Howe,
Lattice, Lenticular, Pennsylvania, Pratt, and others.
Common construction materials include timber, iron, steel,
reinforced concrete, and prestressed concrete. The truss
bridges can be fixed or moveable.
 Arch Bridges Arch bridges use an arch as a main structural component
(arch is always located below the bridge, never above it).
With the help of mid-span piers, they can be made with one
or more arches, depending on the load and stress they must
endure. The core component of the bridge is its abutments
and pillars, which must be built to support the weight of the
entire bridge structure and forces, it carries.

Arch bridges are typically fixed structures, but they can

support the transport of pedestrians, light or heavy rail,
vehicles and even materials from water-carrying aqueducts.
Common construction materials of arch bridges include
masonry stone, concrete, timber, wrought iron, cast iron and
structural steel.
 Cantilever Cantilever bridges are somewhat similar in appearance to
Bridges arch bridges, but they support their load, not through a
vertical bracing but through diagonal bracing with
horizontal beams that are being supported only on one
end. Most cantilever bridges use a pair of continuous spans
that are placed between two piers, with beams meeting on
the center over the obstacle that bridge spans (river, uneven
terrain, or others). Cantilever bridge can also use mid-bridge
piers or other foundation from which they span in both
directions toward other piers and abutments.

The size and weight capacity of a cantilever bridge are

affected by the number of segments it uses. Simple
pedestrian crossings over very short distances can use
simple cantilever beam, but larger distances can use either
two beams coming out of both abutments or multiple center
piers. Cantilever bridges cannot span very large distances.
They can be bare the use truss formation either below and
above the bridge, the most popular construction material are
structural steel, iron, and prestressed concrete.

Same of the most famous cantilever bridges in the world

include Quebec Bridge in Canada, Forth Bridge in Scotland
and Tokyo Gate Bridge in Japan.
 Suspension Suspension bridges use spreading ropes or cables from
Bridges the vertical suspenders to hold the weight of bridge deck
and traffic. This ability to span large to distances makes
them very popular worldwide.

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 Originally made even in ancient times with materials such as
ropes or vines, with deckings of wood planks or bamboo, the
modern variants use a wide array of materials such as steel
wire that is either braided into rope or forged or cast into
chain links. Because only abutments and piers (one or more)
are fixed to the ground, the majority of the bridge structure
can be very flexible and can respond dramatically to wind,
earthquakes or even vibration of on-foot or vehicle
traffic.

 Cable Stayed Cable-stayed bridges use deck cables directly

Bridges connected to one or more vertical columns (towers or
pylons) located near the abutments or in the middle of the
span of the bridge structure.

Cables are typically connected to columns in two ways

– harp design (each cable is attached to a different point of
the column, creating the harp-like “strings” and fan designs
(all cables connect to one point at the top of the column).
This is a different type of cable-driven suspension than in
suspension bridges, where the deck is held up with vertical
suspenders connected to the main support cable.

Originally constructed and popularized in the 16th

century, today cable-stayed bridges are a popular design
that is often used for spanning medium to long distances that
are longer than those of cantilever bridges but shorter than
the longest suspension bridges. Construction materials
include steel or concrete pylons, post-tensioned concrete
box girders and steel rope. These bridges can support
almost every type of decking (only not including heavy rail)
and are used extensively worldwide with various
construction methods.

The famous Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge,

but it also incorporate elements of cable-stayed design.

Fixed or Moveable Types

Most bridges worldwide are fixed structure without
moving parts remaining in place until demolition or collapsed
due to unforeseen stress or damage. However, some
spaces need multi-purpose bridges which can either have
movable parts or can be completely moved from one

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location to another. These are rare but share important
functions.

Fixed Bridges
Fixed the vast majority of bridges constructed
around the world and throughout history are fixed, with no
moveable parts to provide higher clearance for river/sea
transport. They are designed to remain where they are made
to the time, they are deemed unusable due to their age,
disrepair or are demolished. The choice of certain materials
or certain construction techniques can permanently fix a
bridge in place.
This is particularly evident in bridges made of
construction masonry, suspension and cable-stayed bridges
where large section of decking surface is suspended in the
air by the complicated network of cables and other material.
Small and elevated bridges like Bridge of Sighs, ancient
stone aqueducts of Rome such as Pont du Gard, large
medieval multi-arched Charles Bridge, and
magnificent Golden Gate Bridge are examples of fixed
bridges.

Temporary Bridges
Temporary bridges – Temporary bridges are constructed
from basic modular components that can be moved by
medium or light machinery. They are often used in military
engineering or in circumstances when fixed bridges are
repaired and can be so modular that they can be extended
to span larger distances or even reinforced to support
heightened loads. Most temporary bridges are not intended
for long-term use although in some cases they may become
a permanent part of the road network due to various factors.
Simples and inexpensive temporary bridges of the crane
use fitted decking made of construction wood that can
facilitate passenger passage across small spans (such as
ditches). As spans become longer and loads are
heightened, prefabricated bridges made of steel and iron
have to be used. The most capable temporary bridges can
span even distances of 100m using reinforced truss
structure that can facilitate even heavy loads.

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 Moveable Bridges
Moveable bridges – Moveable bridges offer a compromise
between the strength, durability of fixed bridges, and the
flexibility and modularity of the temporary bridges. Their core
functionality is to provide safe passage for various types of
loads (from passenger to heavy freight), while also being
able to move out of the way of boat or other kinds of under-
deck traffic which would otherwise be unable to pass under
the main body of the bridge.
Movable bridges are commonly constructed with simple
truss or tied arch design spanning rivers. When the need
arises, they can either lift their entire deck sharply into the
air or sway the deck structure to the side, opening the
waterway for unrestricted passage of ships. While many of
the moveable bridges are small to medium sized, larger
movable bridges also exist.

Components of a bridge: -

The bridge structure consists of the following parts

 Superstructure The superstructure comprises the deck slab, girder, or trusses,
(Decking): etc. It bears the load passing over the passage and transmits
the forces caused by the same to the sub-structures.
Because the substructure may not have sufficient bearing
strength to directly support the superstructure load

Bearings: Bearings help carry the load from the deck and distribute it
evenly over the substructure material.

Substructure: The substructure comprises piers, abutments, wing walls which

transmit the superstructure load to the earth.

The main parts of a bridge structure are as follows:

1. Decking (deck slab, girders, trusses, etc).
2. Bearing of the Decking
3. Abutments and Piers
4. Foundations for the abutments and piers
5. River training works (like revetment for slopes for embankment at
abutment, and aprons at riverbed level).
6. Approaches to the bridges 12 to connect the bridge properly to the roads
on either side and
7. Handrails, parapets, and guard stones.

CLASSIFICATION OF BRIDGES
Bridges may be classified in many ways:
 According to Function as aqueduct canal over a river, viaduct (road
or railway over a valley), pedestrian highway,
railway, road-cum-rail or a pipeline

 According to the Materials as timber, masonry, iron steel, reinforced

of Construction of concrete, pre-stressed concrete, composite, or
Superstructure Aluminum Bridge.

 According to the Form or as slab, beam, arch, cable stayed, or

Type of Superstructure suspension bridges.

 According to the Inter as simple, continuous, or cantilever bridge.

Span Relation

 According to the Position as deck, though, half-through, or suspended

of the Bridge Floor bridge.
Relative to the
Superstructure
 According to the Degree of as determinate or indeterminate bridge.
Redundancy

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 ACTIVITY

INSTRUCTION: Read all instructions carefully. Write your answers clearly and legibly.
Follow the specific instructions on where to write your answers.

I. Match the concept. Match the terms in Column A with their definition/descriptions in
Column B. Write the letter of the correct answer from Column B in the space provided.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Major Bridge a. stone arched bridges rapidly spread all
around the world.
2. Bridge b. Cable-Stayed Bridge
Engineering
3. Bridge c. Foot Bridge
4. Arch Bridge d. Cables are connected directly to the
5. Culvert Bridge tower instead of suspended cables.
e. comprises of piers, abutments, wing
walls.
6. Substructure f. Less than six meters span
7. Cable-stayed g. Curve-shaped bridge
Bridge
8. Classification of h. Refers to a structure that spans
the Bridge horizontally between supports,
designed to carry vertical loads.
9. Cables are i. Disciple for designing and maintaining
connected directly the essential structures, considering
to the tower factors such as safety, durability, and
instead of materials
suspended cables
10. 13th century BC j. Span is generally 30 to 120 meters.
Greek Bronze Age
k. Suspension Bridge

II. MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the correct word from the box below to answer and
identify each sentence. Write your answer before the number.
- Beam Bridge
a. b. Truss Bridge c. Arch Bridge d. Suspension Bridge
e. Cable Stayed Bridge

1. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

2. The oldest bridges known to man.
3. Pratt, Howe, Lattice, Lenticular, and Bowstring
4. Uses a diagonal mesh of most often triangle-shaped posts above the bridge to
distribute forces across almost entire bridge structure.
5. Arch is always located below the bridge, never above it.
6. Abutments and pillar are the core component of the bridge.
7. Utilize spreading ropes or cables from the vertical suspenders to hold the
weight of bridge deck and traffic.
8. Use cables anchored at each end to carry most of the load.
9. Use deck cables that are directly connected to one or more vertical columns
(called towers or pylons).
10. The famous Brooklyn Bridge.

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SELECTION OF BRIDGE SITE

Choosing the right location is a crucial decision in the planning and designing
of a bridge. It may not always be possible to have a wide choice of site.

Characteristics of an ideal site for a bridge across a river:

1. The straight reach of a river

2. Steady river flows without significant whirls and cross currents.
3. A narrow channel with firm banks.
4. Suitable high banks above high flood level on each other.
5. Rock on hard in erodible strata close to the riverbed level.
6. Proximity to a direct alignment of the road to be connected.
7. Absence of sharp curves in the approaches
8. Absence of expensive river training works.
.
Bridges by Structure

The distribution of internal forces such as tension, compression, torsion,

bending, and sheer, is determined by the bridge structure. All bridges must handle
various types of forces; some are designed to better handle specific types. The
handling of those forces can be centralized in a few notable structural members (as
with cable or cable-stayed bridge where forces are distributed in a distinct shape or
placement) or distributed across the entire structure.

FORCES OF BRIDGES: PROS AND CONS

Beam bridge or Stringer Bridge or Girder bridge:
This type of bridge is simply supported structure consisting of horizontal
beams and vertical piers; Beam bridges are also called stringer bridge or girder
bridge. These types of bridges are typically spanned with two or more spans and
supported by abutments or pier at each end. These types of bridges are
constructed using Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Wood, steel etc. Beam bridges
have span typically less than 80 meters.

Beam bridges are simply supported bridges (beam that is supported on

piers), where the beams are laid across the supports. In this type of bridge, the
beam must be strong enough to bear the loads on it. These loads are further
carried to bridge supports and then to earth.

The top edge of the beam is under compression while the bottom edge is
under tension.

PROS CONS
 This type of beam is very easy to construct o Can be expensive,
and erect. o Requires reinforced
 This type of beam is suitable for short spans. concrete culvert to
 Wide distances can be spanned by resting build.
beams on piers. o Span length is limited.
 Ease in constructing temporary bridges.

ARCH
BRIDGE:

An arch bridge is a very popular type of bridge, extensively used since ancient
Roman times. Arch bridge are typically made up of stone, concrete or steel. The
name reflects the shape of the bridge of an arch. An arch bridge is a curve shaped
bridge where the load on the curve is not directly applied straight down, but instead,
loads are carried along the curve of the arch to the end of supports. No part of the
bridge experiences high pressure. These supports are also called abutments.

Abutments carry loads of the entire bridge and responsible for holding the
arch in a precise position. The number of curves (arches) in a bridge depends on
stress and loads that bridge should support. The span length of arch bridges is
normally up to 250m, and the roadway of the bridge lies on the arch structure.

PROS CONS

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 Easy to build with the locally available material. o They take a long time to
 these types of bridges are very rigid and build.
extremely strong.
 Arch bridges are built up with a variety of o It requires a massive
materials like stone, concrete, steel, etc. amount of building
materials to build.

Truss Bridge:

Truss is a framework consisting of struts (inclined members). These bridges

are constructed by using trusses which comprise many small elements forming
triangular trusses. The span length of the truss bridge typically ranges from 50
meters to 110 meters.

Trusses are very rigid, lightweight and capable of support heavy loads. They
efficiently transfer the load from a single point to the wider area. The weight of the
bridge is lighter than the other bridge types.

When the load is applied to the truss bridge, the top edge experiences
compression and the loads are distributed among the angled members to the
supports and then to earth.

PROS CONS
 This type of bridge is easily built in the factory o Requires high-skilled
and then framed on site. professionals to design
 The piers or supports are comparatively less it.
when compared to the beam bridge, o They are more complex
 They are strong and rigid and very light than beam bridges in
terms of designing.

17
Suspension bridges:

This type of bridge is constructed by suspending the deck slab using suspension
cables. The roadway is hung from using steel cables connected to two towers and
secured by anchors on both ends of the bridge.

In addition to the deck slab, the truss system is also featured with truss system
just beneath the deck which helps to stiffen and to keep the deck in precise position
to reduce the tendency of the roadway to sway.

When the load is applied to the suspension bridge, the deck slab experiences
compression and then travels up the ropes, cables or chains to transfer the
compression to the towers. The towers then dissipate the compression directly into
the earth by anchors.

The supporting cables, which run parallel to the bridge possess tension forces,
and are connected to anchor. Bridge anchorages are massive concrete blocks which
serve in dissipating the tension force to the ground.

Bridge anchorages are essentially solid rock or massive concrete blocks in

which the bridge is grounded. Tensional force passes to the anchorages and into
the ground. The span length of the suspension bridge ranges from 150 meters to
2000 meters

PROS CONS
 Strong and lightweight. o Expensive to build.
 These types of bridges provide long spans. o Prone to sway and ripple
 Facilitating river crossing. the wind, therefore this
type of bridge is
unsuitable for railways.

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Cable-stayed bridge:

This type of bridge is a modern bridge, similar to a suspension bridge.

However in a cable-stayed bridge, the cables connect directly to the tower instead
of being suspended. Tension is constantly acting on the cables because they are
attached to the roadway.

This type of bridge does not require anchorage to bear the compression and
has a single tower to carry the compression. The span length of the Cable stayed
bridge ranges between 500m-1000m.

In this type of bridge, the cables are directly connected to the roadway at
different points radially, and towers alone bear the compression forces.
PROS CONS
 It is more economical compared to the o Maintenance and
suspension bridge. inspection may be
 It is good for medium spans and can easily be more difficult.
built by cantilevering out from the tower. o This bridge-type is not
suitable for very long
distances.

Cantilever bridge:

The word “cantilever” refers that the beam supported at only each end with
cantilever the other end free in space. Cantilever bridges are similar but is kept
free. Cantilever bridges are constructed in parts and the two free ends relate to
suspended deck. Cantilever bridge typically spans of 150 m-500 m. In this type
of bridge, the suspended deck typically two free ends of the cantilever ends.

19
When the load is applied to a cantilever bridge, the top supports experiences
tension (pulling force), and bottom supports experiences compression (pushing
force). This balance keeps the bridge stable.

PROS CONS
 This bridge type is suitable only when the o Cantilever bridges are
support cannot be provided at specific prone to high turning
positions. stress during
 Support is required only on one side of the construction.
cantilever. o If the forces aren’t
balanced the bridge
may buckle.

SUMMARY

 Bridge Engineering is an engineering discipline branching from civil engineering

that encompasses the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance
of bridges to ensure safe and effective transportation of vehicles, people, and
goods.

 A bridge is a structure with the primary responsibility of carrying a free flow of

traffic width of the bridge (number of lanes) dictates the traffic volume of a road
segment. The Load Carrying Capacity of a bridge would dictate the weight of
vehicle allowed to cross the bridge (load limits are posted)

 A bridge is a structure built to span physical obstacles without closing the

underlying passage such as a body of water, valley, or road, for the purpose of
providing the passage over the obstacle.

 Bridge provides convenience to all people who pass through which required
passage may be for a road, a railway, pedestrian, a canal, or pipeline. The
obstacle to be crossed may be a river, a road, a railway, or a valley. This is a
structure providing passage over an obstacle without closing the way beneath.

 Bridge structure typically does not involve architects, a structural engineer is

responsible for the aesthetics, conditions, and the structural system occurs in
both good and bad exposure.

 There are six basic forms of bridge structure:

 Beam Bridges
 Truss Bridges
 Arch Bridges
 Cantilever Bridges
 Suspension Bridges
 Cable Stayed Bridges

 COMPONENTS OF A BRIDGE

20
 The main parts of a bridge structure are the following:
o Decking, consisting of deck slab, girders, trusses, etc.
o Bearing of the Decking
o Abutments and Piers
o Foundations for the Abutments and Piers
o River training works, like revetment for slopes for embankment at
abutment, and aprons at riverbed level.
o Approaches to the bridges to connect the bridge properly to the roads
on either side and
o Handrails, parapets and guard stones.

 CLASSIFICATION OF BRIDGES
o Bridges may be classified in many ways:
 ACCORDING TO FUNCTION as aqueduct canal over a river,
viaduct (road or railway over a valley), pedestrian highway,
railway, road-cum-rail or a pipeline
 ACCORDING TO THE MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION OF
SUPERSTRUCTURE as timber, masonry, iron steel, reinforced
concrete, pre-stressed concrete, composite or Aluminum Bridge.
 ACCORDING TO THE FORM OR TYPE OF
SUPERSTRUCTURE as slab, beam, arch, cable stayed, or
suspension bridges.
 ACCORDING TO THE INTER SPAN RELATION as simple,
continuous, or cantilever bridge.
 ACCORDING TO THE POSITION OF THE BRIDGE FLOOR
RELATIVE TO THE SUPERSTRUCTURE as deck, through, half-
through, or suspended bridge.
 ACCORDING TO THE METHOD OF CONNECTIONS OF THE
DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE, particularly
for steel construction.
 ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF REDUNDANCY as
determinate or indeterminate bridge.

 CLASSIFICATION OF BRIDGES based on:

 Span
 Materials
 Structures
 Functions
 Utility
 SPAN
 CULVERT BRIDGE span up to 6m
 MINOR BRIDGE span up to 6m – 30m
 MAJOR BRIDGE span 30m - 150 m
 LONG SPAN BRIDGE span> 150 m

 MATERIALS
 Timber Bridge
 Masonry Bridge
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  Steel Bridge
 RCC Bridge
 Pre-stressed Concrete Bridge

 STRUCTURES
 Arch Bridge
 Girder Bridge
 Truss Bridge
 Suspension Bridge
 Cantilever Bridge

 FUNCTIONS
 Foot Bridge
 Highway Bridge
 Railway Bridge
 Aqueduct Bridge
 Road-cum-Railway Bridge

 UTILITY
 Temporary Bridge
 Permanent Bridge

 SELECTION OF BRIDGE SITE

o The choice of the right site is a crucial decision in planning and
designing of a bridge. It may not always be possible to have wide choices
of sites for a bridge.

Characteristics of an ideal site for a bridge across a river:

 The straight reach of a river
 Steady river flows without serious whirls and cross currents.
 A narrow channel with firm banks.
 Suitable high banks above high flood level on each other.
 Rock on hard in erodible strata close to the riverbed level.
 Proximity to a direct alignment of the road to be connected.
 Absence of sharp curves in the approaches
 Absence of expensive river training works

ASSIGNED READING AND/OR SUGGESTED READING

22
Ran, P. [Link] (2024). Experimental and numerical investigation into the local scour of
bridge cofferdam with anti-scour ribs. Advances in Bridge Engineering 2024
5:10. Published on: 17 April 2024. [Link]

SELF- ASSESSMENT:

How Much Have you Learned?

INSTRUCTION: Read all instructions carefully. Write your answers clearly and legibly
on the space provided.

I. Provide definitions for 'bridge' and 'bridge structure'.

Answer:

II. Classify bridges according to their usage, structural forms, span type, span
length, load path, deck type, and position
Answer:

III. Draw a bridge and identify the components of a bridge in the superstructure,
substructure, and bearings.
Answer:

23
3
IV. Why does the location, alignment, span, and elevation affect the
construction of the bridge? Provide a concrete example to justify your point.
Answer:

24
PERFORMANCE TASK. Write your answer on the space provided.

Create a timeline showing the history for the various types of bridge.
Provide data for the Bridges of Northern Samar

Timeline of Remarks
Type of Year
Location Description Span Bridge (Assessment
Bridge Constructed
Construction of Bridge
Feedback

How did you find this module? Have you already begun to stumble
mentally? Unwind. You should concentrate on the various facets of timber
structure design. Don't go on to the following lesson until you have thoroughly
addressed the challenges and questions.

Did you find the tasks and self-evaluations challenging? I hope the
introduction to structural design, specifically the Overview of Bridge Engineering
- has taught you a lot. I wish you well in this module's upcoming lesson.