Course Title: DESIGN OF BRIDGES

As per Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) scheme]

SEMESTER:VII

Subject Code 17CV741 IA Marks 40

Number of Lecture Hours/Week 03 Exam Marks 60
Total Number of Lecture Hours 40 Exam Hours 03
CREDITS 03 Total Marks 100

Course objectives: This course will enable students to understand the analysis and design
of concrete Bridges.
 Module -1
Introduction to bridges, classification, computation of discharge, linear waterway, economic span, afflux,
scour depth Design loads for bridges, introduction to I.R.C. loading standards, Load Distribution Theory,
Bridge slabs, Effective width, Introduction to methods as per I.R.C. L1, L2
Module -2
Design of Slab Bridges: Straight and skew slab bridges L2, L3
Module -3
Design of T beam bridges (up to three girder only), Proportioning of components, analysis of slab using IRC
Class AA tracked vehicle, structural design of slab, analysis of cross girder for dead load & IRC Class AA
tracked vehicle, structural design of cross girder, analysis of main girder using Courbon’s method,
calculation of dead load BM and SF, calculation of live load B M & S F using IRC Class AA Tracked vehicle.
Structural design of main girder. L2,L3, L4
Module -4
Other Bridges: Design of Box culvert (Single vent only), Design of Pipe culverts L2, L3, L4
Module -5
Substructures - Design of Piers and abutments, Introduction to Bridge bearings, Hinges and Expansion
joints.(No design) L2, L3, L4
Course outcomes: After studying this course, students will be able to:
• Understand the load distribution and IRC standards.
• Design the slab and T beam bridges.
• Design Box culvert, pipe culvert
• Use bearings, hinges and expansion joints and
• Design Piers and abutments.

Program Objectives:
• Engineering knowledge
• Problem analysis
• Interpretation of data
 17 CV 741: DESIGN OF BRIDGES
Text Books
1. Johnson Victor, D, Essentials of Bridge Engineering
2. N Krishna Raju, Design of Bridges
3. T R Jagadeesh and M A Jayaram, Design of Bridge Structures

Reference Books
1. Jain and Jai Krishna, Plain and Reinforced Concrete
2. IRC section I, II, III and IV, Standard Specifications and code of
practice for road bridges
 COURSE OUTCOMES

After a successful completion of this course, the students will be able to :

17CV 741.1 Estimate the hydrological characteristics of river.

17 CV 741.2 To Know the characteristics of IRC standard loadings

17 CV 741.3 To design the slab bridges.

17 CV 741.4 To design the T-beam bridges

17 CV 741.5 To design the box and pipe culverts

17 CV 741.6 To design the bridge substructures and decide the suitable bearings
 Module 1
1.1 CLASSIFICATION OF BRIDGES
Bridge is a structure having a total length of above 6 m between the inner
faces of the dirt walls for carrying traffic or other moving loads over a
depression or obstruction such as River, channel, road or railway.
The basic components of a bridge are given below
• Superstructure: This supports the communication route. This includes
slabs, girders arch and everything above them including kerbs, parapets
etc.
• Substructure: This supports the superstructure and includes piers,
abutments, caps, bearings etc.
• Foundation: This supports the substructure and transfers the loads to the
bearing strata.
Bridges are classified as given below
(a) Based on the alignment
(i) Square Bridge: Bridge alignment crosses the obstruction (River,
depression road, railway) at right angles
(ii) Skew Bridge: Bridge alignment crosses the obstruction (River,
depression road, railway) at an angle other than 90°

Square Bridge Skew Bridge

(b) Based on the Floor location
(i) Deck Bridge: Bridge floor is located at the top of the superstructure
(ii) Through Bridge: Bridge floor is located at the bottom of the
superstructure
(iii) Semi through: Bridge floor is located between top and bottom of the
superstructure

Semi Through Bridge

(c) Based on the Flood Level
(i) High Level Bridge: A high level bridge is a bridge which carries the
roadway above the highest flood level of the channel.
(ii) Submersible Bridge: A submersible bridge/vented causeway is a bridge
designed to be overtopped during floods.
(d) Based on the Life of Bridge
(i) Permanent Bridge (ii) Temporary Bridge
(e) Based on the material of construction of superstructure
(i)Timber Bridge (ii) Masonry Bridge (Stone or Brick) (iii) Concrete Bridge
(iv) RCC and PSC Bridge (v) Steel bridge (vi) Composite Bridge (vii) Aluminium
Bridge
(f) Based on the Mode of Operation of Bridge
(i) Fixed Bridge
(ii) Movable Bridge (Bascule, Swing and Lift Bridges)

Bascule Bridge Swing Bridge Lift Bridge

(g) Based on the Purpose or Function of Bridge
(i) Road Bridge
(ii) Railway Bridge
(iii) Pedestrian or Foot Bridge
(iv) Aqueduct Bridge (Canal over a river)
(h) Based on the Span or length of Bridge
(i) Culvert Bridge or Culvert (< 6 m)
(ii) Minor Bridge (6 to 60 m)
(iii) Major Bridge (60 to 120 m)
(iv) Long span Bridge (> 120 m)
(i) Based on the Type of superstructure

(i) Slab Bridge (ii) Beam Bridge (iii) Girder Bridge

(iv) Arch Bridge (v) Cable or suspended bridge

 1.2 CHOICE OF BRIDGE TYPE
i) Topography and soil conditions
ii)Type of traffic
iii)Navigational clearances
iv)Climatic and environmental conditions
v)Funds
vi)Surrounding scenery
 1.3 SELECTION OF BRIDGE SITE
i) Good foundation material
ii) Stream and banks
iii)Reach of stream
iv)Regime flow
v) Obstruction and afflux
vi) River training cost
vii) Square crossing
viii) Economical approaches
ix) Clearance for navigation
x) Proximity to the alignment
xi) labour and materials availability
xii) environmental effect
 1.4 PRELIMINARY DATA TO BE COLLECTED
i) Stream, Road and Location
ii) GTS bench mark with its RL
iii)Volume and nature of Traffic
iv)Hydraulic data-HFL, OFL and catchment
v) Soil profile
vi) Navigational requirement
vii) River training works requirement
viii) Earthquake disturbances
ix) Labour and materials availability
x) Availability of utilities-power and water supply
 1.5 DETERMINATION OF DESIGN DISCHARGE
The design discharge for which the waterway of the bridge is to be designed,
shall be based on maximum flood discharge of 50 years return cycle. In case
where the requisite information is not available, the design discharge shall be
the maximum estimated discharge determined by consideration of the
following methods.
i) By using Empirical formulae applicable to the region
ii) By using a rational method
iii)By area velocity method
iv)By unit hydrograph method
v) From the available records of the flood marks observed at or near the bridge
site
1.5.1 Empirical Formulae
No Method Formula Remarks
Q=Max Flood Discharge or Peak run off, m3/s
1 General Q = CM n C= Constant and depends on catchment characteristics
M= Catchment area, sq. km
C=11-14 where annual rainfall is 60-120 cm
3 14-19 in Madhya Pradesh
2 Dickens Q= CM 4 22 in Western Ghats
Used in Central and North India
C=6.8 for areas within 25 km of the coast
C=8.5 for areas between 25-160 km of the coast
2
3 Ryve’s Q= CM 3 C=10 for limited areas near the hills
Devised for Madras and used in Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka
125M Devised for Bombay Presidency and used in
4 Inglis Q=
(M + 10) Maharashtra
Limitations: 1. Empirical methods cannot be applied universally
2. These methods do not take frequency of flood in to consideration
3. Fixing of constant is very difficult and exact theory cannot be put forth for
1.2.2 Rational Method
A rational method takes into account, catchment characteristics and
rainfall data. A typical rational formula is:
Q = A Io λ

Where Q = Max Flood Discharge or Peak run off, m3/s

A = Catchment area, sq. km
Io = Peak Intensity of rainfall, mm/hr.
F T+1
Here Io =
T t+1
In the above equation F represents the rainfall in mm during time interval
of T hours and t represents short interval of time considered for the max
flood discharge which is usually taken as 1 hour
λ = a function depending on the characteristics of the catchment in producing
the peak run off and is given by
0.56𝑃𝑓
𝜆=
𝑡𝑐 + 1
P = Coefficient of run off for the catchment characteristics (Refer Table 1)
f = A factor to correct the variation of intensity of rainfall Io over the
area of the catchment (Refer Table 2)
tc = Concentration time, hours and is given by
3 0.385
𝐿
𝑡𝑐 = 0.87 × )
𝐻
In the above equation, L is the distance from the critical point to the bridge
site, km and H is the difference in elevation between the critical point and
the bridge site, m
 Table 1 Value of P in Rational Formula

Surface P
Steep bare rock and also city pavements 0.9
Steep rock with thick vegetation 0.8
Plateaus, lightly covered 0.7
Clayey soils, stiff and bare 0.6
Clayey soils, lightly covered 0.5
Loam, lightly cultivated 0.4
Loam, lightly cultivated 0.3
Sandy soil, light growth 0.2
Sandy soil, heavy growth 0.1
 Table 2 Value of factor f in Rational Formula
Area, Area, Area, Area,
f f f f
km2 km 2 km 2 km2
0 1.000 40 0.845 80 0.760 200 0.645
10 0.950 50 0.820 90 0.745 300 0.625
20 0.900 60 0.800 100 0.730 400 0.620
30 0.875 70 0.775 150 0.675 2000 0.600
1.5.3 Area Velocity Method
The area velocity method based on the hydraulic characteristics of
the stream is probably the most reliable method for determining the flood
discharge. The discharge Q is given by the following equation
Q=A×v
Where Q = Flood Discharge or run off, m3/s
A = Wetted area, m2 and
v = velocity of flow, m/s
The velocity of flow, v is obtained by the following Manning’s
empirical formula
1 2 1
v = R3 S 2
n
Where v = velocity of flow, m/s
n = roughness coefficient (refer Table 3)
S = slope of stream and
R = hydraulic mean depth, m and is given by the following
relation
wetted area, m2
R=
wetted perimeter, m
 Table 3 Value of n in Manning’s formula for natural streams

Surface n
1 Clean straight banks- no rifts or deep pools 0.025 – 0.033
2 Same as (1) but some weeds and stones 0.030 – 0.040
3 Winding, some pools and shoals, clean 0.035 – 0.050
4 Same as (3) more effective slopes and sections 0.040 – 0.055
5 Same as (3) some weeds and stones 0.033 – 0.045
6 Same as (4) stony section 0.045 – 0.060
7 Sluggish river reaches, rather weedy 0.050 – 0.080
8 High weedy reaches 0.075 – 0.150
1.5.4 Unit Hydrograph Method
Hydrograph: Graphical representation of discharge in a stream
plotted against time due to rain storm of specified intensity, duration and
areal pattern
Unit hydrograph: run off hydrograph representing a unit depth
(one mm) of direct run off as a result of rainfall excess occurring
uniformly over the basin and at a uniform rate for a specified duration (6
hours or 12 hours)
Discharge is obtained by multiplying the depth of water, mm with
maximum ordinate of unit hydrograph
1.5.5 Flood Marks Method
If flood marks can be observed on an existing bridge structure, near the
proposed site, the flood discharge can be estimated reasonably well by applying
an appropriate formula available
Broad crested weir formula and drowned orifice formula for discharge
can be utilized for this purpose
Broad crested weir formula
1.5
u2
Q = 1.7Cw L hu +
2g
Where, Q = Discharge, m3/s
L = Linear waterway, m
hu = Upstream depth of water, m
u = Velocity of approach, m/s
Cw = Coefficient (Refer Table 4)

Table 4 Value of Cw in Broad crested formula

Sl No Type of Bridge Opening Cw
1 Narrow bridge opening with or without floors 0.94
2 Wide bridge opening with floor 0.96
3 Wide bridge opening with no bed floor 0.98
 Drowned Orifice formula
2 0.5
u
Q = Co √(2g) Lhd hu − hd + (1 + e)
2g

Where, Q = Discharge, m3/s

L = Linear waterway, m
hu = Upstream depth of water, m
hd = Upstream depth of water, m
u = Velocity of approach, m/s
Co and e = Coefficient depending upon the ratio of waterway
under bridge to natural waterway(Refer Table 5)
 Table 5 Value of Co and e in drowned orifice formula

No Ratio (Waterway under bridge/Natural waterway Co e

1 0.50 0.892 1.05
2 0.60 0.870 1.01
3 0.70 0.866 0.93
4 0.75 0.867 0.86
5 0.80 0.876 0.72
6 0.90 0.924 0.28
7 1.00 0.980 0.00
 Design Discharge
Where possible, more than one method shall be adopted,
results compared, and the maximum discharge fixed by
judgment by the engineer responsible for the design. The
bridge shall be designed for this maximum discharge.
 Examples (Module 1)
Estimation of Design Discharge
Ex 1: Determine the design discharge at a bridge after computing the maximum discharge by empirical
method, rational method and area velocity method for the following data.
Catchment area = 160 square km
Distance of the coast = 12 km (C=6.8)
Distance of critical point of watershed from bridge site = 16 km
Difference in elevation between critical point and bridge site = 96 m
Peak intensity of rainfall = 55 mm/hour
The catchment is in loam soil largely cultivated (P = 0.3 and f = 0.67)
The stream has flow area of 115 Square m below HFL with a wetted perimeter of 81 m. The banks are
clean and the stream is in fair condition (n=0.03). The slope of the bed is 1 in 500
Solution:
Empirical Method (Ryve’s Formula)
2
Q= CM3
2
Q = 6.8 ∗ 1603 = 203.83 𝑚3 /s
 Rational Method
Q = A Io λ
Where Q = Max Flood Discharge or Peak run off, m3/s
A = Catchment area, sq. km =160
Io = Peak Intensity of rainfall, mm/hr. = 55
λ = a function depending on the characteristics of the catchment in
producing the peak run off and is given by
0.56Pf
λ=
tc + 1
P = Coefficient of run off for the catchment characteristics = 0.30
f = A factor to correct the variation of intensity of rainfall Io over the
area of the catchment = 0.67
tc = Concentration time, hours and is given by
 0.385
L3
t c = 0.87 × )
H
L=Distance from the critical point to the bridge site, km = 16
H= Difference in elevation between the critical point and the bridge site, m =96
0.385
163
t c = 0.87 × ) =4.02 hours and
96
0.56Pf
λ=
tc + 1
0.56∗0.3∗0.67
λ= =0.0223
4.02+1

Hence,
Q = A Io λ = 160 ∗ 55 ∗ 0.0223 = 196.24 𝑚3 /s
 Area-Velocity Method
Q=A×v
Where Q = Flood Discharge or run off, m3/s
A = Wetted area, m2 =115
v = velocity of flow, m/s
1 2 1
v = R3 S2
n
Where v = velocity of flow, m/s
n = roughness coefficient=0.03
S = slope of stream 1 in 500=0.002
R = hydraulic mean depth, m and is given by the following relation
wetted area, m2 115
R= = = 1.420
wetted perimeter, m 81
 1 2 1
v= ∗ (1.420)3 ∗ 0.002 2 = 1.886 m/s
0.03
𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑄 = 115 ∗ 1.886 = 216.89 𝑚3 /𝑠

Discharge Design Discharge

Method
𝑚3 /𝑠 𝑚3 /𝑠
Empirical 203.83
216.89
Rational 196.24 (Maximum of the
three values)
Area-Velocity 216.89
Ex 1: Calculate the peak run off for designing the bridge across a stream using the following data.
Catchment: L = 5 km, H = 30 m, A = 10 Sq. Km (f = 0.95) and Loamy soil largely cultivated
( P = 0.30)
Rainfall: Severest storm that is known to have occurred in 20 years dropped 150 mm of
rain in 2.5 hours
Solution:
Q = A Io λ
Where Q = Max Flood Discharge or Peak run off, m3/s
A = Catchment area, sq. km =10
Io = Peak Intensity of rainfall, mm/hr.
F T+1 150 2.5 + 1
Here Io = = = 105 mm/hr
T t+1 2.5 1 + 1
λ = a function depending on the characteristics of the catchment in producing
the peak run off and is given by
0.56Pf
λ=
tc + 1
 P = Coefficient of run off for the catchment characteristics = 0.30
f = A factor to correct the variation of intensity of rainfall Io over the
area of the catchment = 0.95
tc = Concentration time, hours and is given by

0.385 0.385
L3 53
t c = 0.87 × ) = 0.87 × ) = 1.642 hours
H 30

Hence,
0.56Pf 0.56 ∗ 0.30 ∗ 0.95
λ= = = 0.0604
tc + 1 1.642 + 1

𝐐 = 𝐀 𝑰𝒐 𝛌 = 𝟏𝟎 ∗ 𝟏𝟎𝟓 ∗ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟎𝟒 = 𝟔𝟑. 𝟒 𝒎𝟑 /𝐬

 1.6 LINEAR WATERWAY
Linear Waterway is defined as the width of waterway between the extreme edges of
water surface at H.F.L. measured at right angles to the abutment face.
Effective Linear waterway is defined as the total width of the waterway of the bridge at
H.F.L. minus effective width of obstruction.
For the purpose of determination of waterway requirements of bridges, the
streams/rivers can be divided into three types.
(i) stream with rigid boundaries—those with hard and inerodible bank and bed
(ii) quasi-alluvial rivers—those with inerodible bank but erodible bed and
(iii) wholly alluvial rivers—those with erodible bank and bed
For alluvial streams, the required linear waterway may be determined using
Lacey’s equation given by
W=C Q
W=Linear waterway, meter
Q= Design Discharge, Cubic meter/second
C= Constant, usually taken as 4.8 (But may vary from 4.5 to 6.3 according to local condition)
 1.7 AFFLUX
The afflux at a bridge is the heading up of the water surface caused by it (Bridge). It is measured by
the difference in levels of the water surfaces upstream and downstream of the bridge (Refer fig)

In Fig,
hu = Upstream water surface level
hd = Downstream water surface level
Note: Afflux = x = (hu - hd)
• Afflux occurs when the effective linear waterway is less than the natural waterway.
• Higher the afflux, higher will be the velocity of flow and greater will be the scour
depth. Hence the afflux is to be estimated.
• Afflux also affects the clearance.
Afflux is calculated by the following equation

u2 W 2
x= 2 2 −1
2g C W1
x = Afflux, m
u = Velocity of approach, m/s
W = Linear Waterway,
W1 = Effective Linear Wtaerway, m
C = coeffcient of discharge, m3 /s (0.7 for sharp entry and 0.9 for smooth entry)
Afflux is also calculated by Molesworth formula given by

v2 A2
x= + 0.015 2 − 1
17.9 a

where,
x = Afflux, m
v = Normal velocity of flow, m/s
A = Area of natural Waterway, m2
a = Area of artificial Waterway, m2

Note:
Afflux can also be calculated by Marriman’s formula and drowned orifice formula
 Calculation of Afflux
Ex 3: A bridge has a linear waterway of 150 m constructed across a stream whose natural linear waterway
is 220 m. If the average flood depth is 3 m and flood discharge is 1200 cubic meter/second, calculate the
afflux under the bridge
Solution:
u2 W 2
x= 2 2 −1
2g C W1
x = Afflux, m
1200
u = Velocity of approach, 𝑚/𝑠,= 1.82 𝑢=
(220∗3)
W = Linear Waterway, m = 220
W1 = Effective Linear Waterway, m = 150
C = coeffcient of discharge, m3 /s (Assumed as 0.9 for smooth entry)

1.822 2202
x= 2 2
− 1 = 0.28 𝑚
2 ∗ 9.81 0.9 ∗ 150
Ex 4: A bridge has a linear waterway of 150 m constructed across a stream whose natural linear waterway
is 220 m. If the average flood depth is 3 m and flood discharge is 1200 cubic meter/second, calculate the
afflux under the bridge
Solution:
Molesworth formula

v2 A2
x= + 0.015 2 − 1
17.9 a

x = Afflux, m
1200
v = Normal velocity of flow, m/s = 1.82 𝑣=
(220∗3)
A = Area of natural Waterway, m2 = 220*3 =660
a = Area of artificial Waterway, m2 = 150*3 = 450

1.822 6002
x= + 0.015 − 1 = 0.23 𝑚
17.9 4502
Ex 5: Determine the waterway for a bridge across a stream with a flood discharge of 225 cubic
meters/second, velocity 1.5 m/s and width of flow at high flood level 60 m, if the allowable velocity under
the bridge is 1.8 m/s.
Solution:
Molesworth formula
v2 A2
x= + 0.015 2 − 1
17.9 a
x = Afflux, m
v = Normal velocity of flow, m/s = 1.50
225
A = Area of natural Waterway, m2 = 150 𝐴=
1.5
225
a = Area of artificial Waterway, m2 = 138.5 𝑎=
0.9∗1.8
1.52 1502
x= + 0.015 − 1 = 0.023 𝑚
17.9 138.52

138.9 150
Waterway of bridge = = 55.05 m depth of water = = 2.5 𝑚
2.5+0.023 60
 1.8 SCOUR DEPTH
Bridge scour is the removal of material such as sand and gravel from around bridge
abutments and piers during the passage of flood discharge. Higher the restriction in
the natural linear waterway, higher will be the scour.
The mean depth of scour may be computed by the following equation for natural
streams in alluvial soils
Case (i): when effective linear waterway < Natural linear waterway
1
2 3
Db
dsm = 1.34
k sf
dsm = Mean scour depth below HFL, m
Db = Discharge, m3/s per meter width [Total discharge divided by the effective linear
waterway] and
ksf = Silt factor for representative sample of the bed material, taken as 1.76 times the
square root of particle size, mm (Refer Table)
Case (ii): when effective linear waterway > Natural
1
linear waterway
Q 3
dsm = 0.473
k sf
dsm = Mean scour depth below HFL, m
Q = Discharge, m3/s and
ksf = Silt factor for representative sample of the bed material

Table: Silt Factor for mean scour depth

Type of Bed Material Particle Size, mm Silt Factor
Very Fine silt 0.08 0.50
Fine silt 0.16 0.70
Medium silt 0.23 0.85
Standard silt 0.32 1.00
Medium sand 0.50 1.25
Coarse sand 0.73 1.50
Heavy sand 1.29 2.00
 In order to provide for an adequate margin of safety, the maximum scour
depth, D is taken as below
Location/Situation Maximum Scour Depth, D
In a Straight reach D = 1.27 dsm
At a moderate bend D = 1.50 dsm
At a severe bend D = 1.75 dsm
At right angled bend D = 2.00 dsm
At noses of piers D = 2.00 dsm
Near abutments D = 1.27 dsm

NOTE:
The minimum depth of foundation below HFL is taken as 1.33 D for erodible strata
 Calculation of Scour Depth
Ex 6: A bridge is proposed across an alluvial stream (Silt Factor = 1.2), carrying a discharge of 50 cubic
meter/second. Calculate the depth of maximum scour when the bridge consists of (a) 3 spans of 6 m and
(b) 3 spans of 8 m
Solution: (a) 3 Spans of 6 m
Natural waterway = W = 4.8 50 = 33.94 m: Effective linear waterway =W1= 3*6 = 18 m Hence W1<W
1
2 3
Db
dsm = 1.34
k sf
dsm = Mean scour depth below HFL, m
Db = Discharge, m3/s per meter width [Total discharge divided by the effective linear
waterway]=(50/18)=2.778 and
ksf = Silt factor =1.2
1
2
2.778 3
dsm = 1.34 = 2.48 𝑚
1.2
Max Depth of scour (i) At nose of piers = 2.00*2.48 = 4.96 m
(ii) Near Abutments = 1.27*2.48 = 3.15 m
(b) 3 Spans of 8 m
Natural waterway = W = 4.8 50 = 33.94 m: Effective linear waterway =W1= 3*8 = 24 m Hence W1<W
1
2 3
Db
dsm = 1.34
k sf

dsm = Mean scour depth below HFL, m

Db = Discharge, m3/s per meter width [Total discharge divided by the effective linear
waterway]=(50/24)=2.083 and
ksf = Silt factor =1.2
1
2 3
2.083
dsm = 1.34 = 2.05 𝑚
1.2
Max Depth of scour (i) At nose of piers = 2.00*2.05 = 4.10 m
(ii) Near Abutments = 1.27*2.05 = 2.60 m
Ex 7: A bridge is proposed across an alluvial stream (Silt Factor = 1.1), carrying a discharge of 300 cubic
meter/second. Calculate the depth of maximum scour when the bridge consists of (a) 2 spans of 35 m each
and (b) 3 spans of 30 m each.
Solution: (a) 2 Spans of 30 m
Natural waterway = W = 4.8 300 = 83.1 m: Effective linear waterway =W1= 2*35 = 70 m Hence W1<W
1
2 3
Db
dsm = 1.34
k sf
dsm = Mean scour depth below HFL, m
Db = Discharge, m3/s per meter width [Total discharge divided by the effective linear
waterway]=(300/70)=4.286 and
ksf = Silt factor =1.1
1
2
4.286 3
dsm = 1.34 = 3.39 𝑚
1.1
Max Depth of scour (i) At nose of piers = 2.00*3.39 = 6.78 m
(ii) Near Abutments = 1.27*3.39 = 4.31 m
(b) 3 Spans of 30 m
Natural waterway = W = 4.8 300 = 83.1 m: Effective linear waterway =W1= 3*30 = 90 m Hence W1>W
1
Q 3
dsm = 0.473
k sf
dsm = Mean scour depth below HFL, m
Q = Discharge, m3/s =300 and
ksf = Silt factor =1.1
1
300 3
dsm = 0.473 = 3.01 𝑚
1.1

Max Depth of scour (i) At nose of piers = 2.00*3.01 = 6.02 m

(ii) Near Abutments = 1.27*3.01 = 3.82 m
 1.9 ECONOMIC SPAN
Economic span is the one for which the total cost of the bridge is
minimum.
For most economical span, the cost of superstructure equals the cost of
substructure with the following assumptions.
i) The cost of superstructure is proportional to the square of the span
ii) The spans are of equal length
iii) The cost of each abutment including foundation is the same
iv) The cost of each pier including foundation is the same
v) The cost of approaches is constant
Let
A = Cost of approaches, B = Cost of two abutments including foundations, L = total span
of bridge (Effective linear waterway), S = Length of one span, n = Number of spans,
P = Cost of one pier including foundation, T = Total cost of the bridge
 T = A + B + 𝑛 − 1 P + nKS 2 [nKS2 = Total cost of superstructure based on first assumption]

But L = nS

L L 2
T = A + B + − 1 P + KS
S S
LP
T=A+B+ − P + LKS
S

dT
For T to be minimum, =0
dS
dT LP
= 0 + 0 − 2 − 0 + LK = 0
dS S
P
S=
K

P
Hence for most economical span, Se S = Se =
K
 Calculation of Economic Span
Ex 8: The approximate costs of one superstructure and one substructure for a multi span bridge are
given below Estimate the economic span.
Span, m 12 18 21
Cost of one superstructure, Rupees 34 000 80 000 150 000
Cost of one Substructure, Rupees 50 000 54 000 48 000
Solution:
Based on the assumption that the cost of superstructure is proportional to the square of the
span, the cost coefficient, k is given by
34 000 80 000 150 000
K1 = = 236.1; K2 = = 246.9; K3= = 340.1;
122 182 212
236.1 + 246.9 + 340.1
Average Coefficient = K = = 274.4
3
50 000 + 54 000 + 48 000
Average Cost of pier = P = = 50 666.7
3

P 50 666.7
Economic Span = = = 13.59 m
K 274.4
Ex 9: The approximate costs of one superstructure and one substructure for a multi span bridge are given
below Estimate the economic span.
Span, m 4 8 12 15
Cost of One superstructure, Rupees 1 700 7 000 16 000 24 000
Cost of One substructure, Rupees 22 200 23 200 23 000 23 600

Answer: K = 106.3, 109.4, 111.1, Average K = 108.93, Average P = 23 000, Economic Span = 14.53 m
 1.10 IRC LOADINGS (Live Load on Bridges)
The standard IRC (Indian Roads Congress) specified in IRC:6-2014 are
grouped under following four categories
a) IRC Class AA Loading: i) Tracked Vehicle and ii) Wheeled Vehicle
b) IRC Class 70 R Loading: i) Tracked vehicle, ii) Wheeled Vehicle (Two axles)
and iii) Wheeled vehicle ( 7 axles- train loading and Bogie loading)
c) IRC Class A Loading
d) IRC Class B Loading
IRC Class AA Tracked Vehicle:
(Combat Tank)
i) Road bridges along NH, Other specified
highways and within specified municipal
localities should be designed for this
loading
ii) Bridges designed for this loading should
also be checked for Class A loading
iii) C=0.3 m for carriageway< 5.3 m and
C=1.2 m for Carriageway of two lanes
IRC Class AA Wheeled Vehicle:
(Army Truck)
i) Road bridges along NH, Other specified
highways and within specified municipal
localities should be designed for this
loading
ii) Bridges designed for this loading should
also be checked for Class A loading
iii) C=0.3 m for carriageway< 5.3 m and
C=1.2 m for Carriageway of two lanes
IRC Class A Loading
&
IRC Class B Loading
1.10.1 Impact
Vehicular Live loads are multiplied with an Impact Factor to accommodate their dynamic effect
in the design of bridges. The magnitude of the impact factor depends on the bridge span, stiffness and
surface roughness, and vehicle dynamic characteristics such as moving speed. Provision of impact of
vehicles on the bridges is made by an increment of the live load by an impact allowance as a fraction (or
percentage) of the applied live load
For IRC Class AA Loading and 70R Loading (For RCC Bridges)
Span Vehicle type Impact factor

Tracked vehicle
<9m
Wheeled vehicle 25%
10% up to 40 m and in accordance with
Tracked vehicle
Graph for > 40 m
>9m
25% up to 12 m and in accordance with
Wheeled vehicle
Graph for > 12 m
 For IRC Class A Loading and Class B Loading (For RCC Bridges): Refer Graph

Alternatively, Impact factor can also be calculated by equation

Where, L = span in meters ( between 3m and 45 m)