Design of Bridge Super Structures with Limit State Method as per IRC:112-2011

Abstract

The past two decades have seen unprecedented growth of knowledge in the field of concrete bridges, development of new structural forms, new methods of computer-based analysis and design. Yet many important factors were lost sight of the design because of inadequate knowledge and experience. This has adversely affected the durability and serviceability of the bridge and has resulted in their premature deterioration and other problems. The bridge designers are now becoming increasingly aware of many new factors and dimensions in the designing of modern bridges. This is going to be of great help in designing more aesthetic and durable bridges which will be constructed with ease, efficiency and economy and which will remain in service for much longer period. In present study, comparison of limit state design and working stress design for bridge as per IRC is done. In India bridge superstructure has traditionally been designed using working stress methods, but the new IRC-112:2011 Code now specifies a limit state design procedure for these structures. The main objective of this study was to compare working stress design (WSD) with limit states design ( LSD) methods particular to bridge superstructure. The main emphasis is given on limit state method design as per IRC-112:2011. By taking different span and bridge superstructure, analysis and design is carried out. The bridge superstructure is designed by limit state methods and compared with working stress design method to find most efficient design philosophy.