An economical design of a reinforced concrete spandrel-ribbed arch bridge

• Main Author: Elsaoud, Mohammed Salem
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1994
• Subjects: Reinforced concrete construction; Spandrel beams; Bridge construction; Bridges; Arched; xx3 Arches; x3 Arch bridges; Civil Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/1546
• Institution: De La Salle University

Arches have been used as architectural unit since olden times. However, modern times have introduced superstructure and due to complexity in computation analysis, arches have been used very minimally at present. This paper, therefore, aims to analyze and design arch bridges that are economical. Specifically, this paper aims to compare Carmen Bridge in Pangasinan, Philippines and the proposed costing for one as prepared by the researcher in this paper. Analysis of arches, more especially fixed arches is complicated if done manually using matrix analysis (stiffness method) hence, computer software has been used to simplify the analysis. For an economical arch shape (circular or parabolic) equations y = b - a x. and y. = 4ax were used. All information and data such as slabs, spans, side walk, river levelling were taken from an existing bridge -- Carmen bridge. Findings show that circular arches can use H/L = 0.1 to 0.15 and parabolic arches by using the equation y = b - a x. for H/L = 0.2 to 0.4. The study also shows that a saving of 22.8 percent can be gained by using arches. The results prove that arch bridges are more economical to construct than any other kind of bridge and that arch bridges are alternatives for superstructure.