Bearing Capacity and Types of Foundation
Bearing Capacity and Types of Foundation
Types of foundation
1. Shallow foundation
2. Deep foundation
a. Well foundation b. Pile foundation
Borehole data indicates the presence of hard strata below 15m, so open foundation can be
used as the foundation of the bridge.
Salient Attributes of the Bridge
Reduced level of Benchmark (BM 1) =
Free board =
Sofit level=
Depth of Girder=
Depth of slab=
Level of road=
Number of lanes =
No of primary beams =
Width of lane =
Width of footpath =
Total width =
Length of bridge =
Number of span =
Span length =
Type of bridge =
Foundation type =
Scour depth =
Maximum afflux =
1. Dead load
2. Live load
3. Impact load
4. Wind load
5. Longitudinal forces
6. Centrifugal forces
7. Buoyancy effect
8. Effect of water current
9. Thermal effects
10. Deformation and horizontal effects
11. Erection stresses
12. Seismic loads
The dead load is nothing but a self-weight of the bridge elements. The different elements of
bridge are deck slab, wearing coat, railings, parapet, stiffeners and other utilities. It is the first
design load to be calculated in the design of bridge.
The live load on the bridge, is moving load on the bridge throughout its length. The moving
loads are vehicles, Pedestrians etc. but it is difficult to select one vehicle or a group of vehicles to
design a safe bridge.
So, IRC recommended some imaginary vehicles as live loads which will give safe results against
the any type of vehicle moving on the bridge. The vehicle loadings are categorized in to three
types and they are
This type of loading is considered for the design of new bridge especially heavy loading bridges
like bridges on highways, in cities, industrial areas etc. In class AA loading generally two types
of vehicles considered, and they are
Tracked type
Wheeled type
IRC Class A Loading
This type of loading is used in the design of all permanent bridges. It is considered as standard
live load of bridge. When we design a bridge using class AA type loading, then it must be
checked for class A loading also.
This type of loading is used to design temporary bridges like Timber Bridge etc. It is considered
as light loading. Both IRC class A and Class B are shown in below figure.
3. Impact Loads
The Impact load on bridge is due to sudden loads which are caused when the vehicle is moving
on the bridge. When the wheel is in movement, the live load will change periodically from one
wheel to another which results the impact load on bridge.
To consider impact loads on bridges, an impact factor is used. Impact factor is a multiplying
factor which depends upon many factors such as weight of vehicle, span of bridge, velocity of
vehicle etc. The impact factors for different IRC loadings are given below.
If the length exceeds in any of the above limits, the impact factor should be considered from the
graph given by IRC which is shown below.
Bridge A B
type
4.
RCC 6.0
5
9. 13.5
Steel
0 0
Apart from the super structure impact factor is also considered for substructures
4. Wind Loads
Wind loads also an important factor in the bridge design. For short span bridges, wind load can
be negligible. But for medium span bridges, wind load should be considered for substructure
design. For long span bridges, wind load is considered in the design of super structure.
5. Longitudinal Forces
The longitudinal forces are caused by braking or accelerating of vehicle on the bridge. When the
vehicle stops suddenly or accelerates suddenly it induces longitudinal forces on the bridge
structure especially on the substructure. So, IRC recommends 20% of live load should be
considered as longitudinal force on the bridges.
6. Centrifugal Forces
If bridge is to be built on horizontal curves, then the movement of vehicle along curves will
cause centrifugal force on to the super structure. Hence, in this case design should be done for
centrifugal forces also.
Where
Buoyancy effect is considered for substructures of large bridges submerged under deep water
bodies. Is the depth of submergence is less it can be negligible.
When the bridge is to be constructed across a river, some part of the substructure is under
submergence of water. The water current induces horizontal forces on submerged portion. The
forces caused by water currents are maximum at the top of water level and zero at the bottom
water level or at the bed level.
The pressure by water current is P = KW [V2/2g]
9. Thermal Stresses
Thermal stresses are caused due to temperature. When the temperature is very high or very low
they induce stresses in the bridge elements especially at bearings and deck joints. These stresses
are tensile in nature so, concrete cannot withstand against this and cracks are formed.
When the bridge is to be built in seismic zone or earthquake zone, earthquake loads must be
considered. They induce both vertical and horizontal forces during earthquake. The amount of
forces exerted is mainly depends on the self-weight of the structure. If weight of structure is
more, larger forces will be exerted.
Deformation stresses are occurred due to change is material properties either internally or
externally. The change may be creep, shrinkage of concrete etc. similarly horizontal forces will
develop due to temperature changes, braking of vehicles, earthquakes etc. Hence, these are also
being considered as design loads in bridge design.
Erection stresses are induced by the construction equipment during the bridge construction.
These can be resisted by providing suitable supports for the members.
1. Sub structures
2. Superstructures
a. Abutments
b. Wing walls
c. Pier
a. Beam/Girder (main/cross)
b. Deck slab
c. Kerb
d. Railing post
Bearings