International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 9, Issue 10, October 2018, pp. 1532–1544, Article ID: IJCIET_09_10_153
Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=10
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

©IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF STRESS RIBBON

BRIDGE WITH CSI BRIDGE SOFTWARE
Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar
PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering
JNT University, Anantapur, AP, India

Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
JNT University, Anantapur, AP, India

Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Director of Academic Audit, Professor of Civil Engineering
JNT University, Anantapur, AP, India

ABSTRACT
Today R.C.C Bridge structures are getting collapsed and shrinking faster than the
most of the other bridges. Generally, Bridge structures are designed in different ways
to serve in conspicuous purposes and applied in different situations. A Stress ribbon
bridge (modern suspension bridge / tension structures) is analyzed in this project.
Nearly 50 stress ribbon bridges have been built worldwide in a span of 15 years. The
designs are done in one or more spans with an equivalent curve by taking the support
of tendons. The main aim of this project is to carryout analysis and design of stress
ribbon bridge by using CSI Bridge software. The CSI Bridge software is a
multifaceted programming software and is advanced to SAP 2000 software. CSI
Bridge software is very familiar for bridge engineers in the industry. This software
allows use of analytical technique in a step by step process. The software contains
provision for layout lines, spans, abutments, piers, slab decks, load cases (vehicle
load, moving load, parapet load, material load, etc.,). This project covers the
designing of a stress ribbon bridge with two spans of 60 m (196.85 feet), deck slab of
10.9728m (36 feet) width and 1.524m (5 feet) depth. Traffic lane of 4.2678m (14 feet)
width, abutments of 2.4384m (8 feet) depth & 1.2192m (4 feet) width, the column of
1.524m (5 feet) diameter, etc., are also designed. The outcome of the results of
analysis using CSI bridge software are presented. The loads are taken as per IRC
CODE and used directly in impact model.
Key words: Stress Ribbon Bridge, Deck Slab, Manual Design and CSI Bridge
Software.

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 Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade, Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Cite this Article: Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade,

Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao, Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge
Software, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) 9(10),
2018, pp. 1532–1544.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=10

1. INTRODUCTION
Stress Ribbon Bridge is a tension structure. Many of the bridge engineers were aware of this
structure and constructed nearly 50 ribbon bridge structures universally. The suspension
cables are installed in the deck to release the anchorage forces and develop tension forces in
bridge structure. The design is done in one span or more with an equivalent curve which takes
the support by the tendons. It is very economical and innovative. In this paper, this bridge is
designed and analyzing by 60m span with two lanes of 4.2678m. Fig:1 shows the diagram of
this bridge model with dimensions.

Figure 1 Details of a Bridge model.

1.1 SCOPE
The main object of this work is to study the bridge model through “manual design and the
software analysis.” In this work, a Stress Ribbon Bridge structure is selected and analyzed to
know the behavior of structure.
CSI Bridge software is used for analyzing the structure. It is very effective in analyzing
the structure at different loads. The results obtained by this software are very accurate.
In this paper, manual design process is explained. Later, the values were presented in CSI
Bridge software. Finally, the results obtained by manual design and CSI Bridge software are
compared.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
The project presents Stress Ribbon Bridge innovation from CSI Bridge Software. The
improvement of this bridge system requires several references and is initially developed
through this software analysis.

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 Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge Software

Tony Sanchez [1] described the descriptive part and the road safety on the ribbon bridge. It is
reported that the bridge structure is used only for pedestrians, but not for heavy loads.
Aditya V. Jog [2] highlighted the significance of the prestressing equations in the single span
deck slab for structural behavior. It is analyzed by dynamic factors (aerodynamic stability)
from the equilibrium and differential equations on certain loading conditions.
Siddhartha Ray [3] reported the modeling and analysis of the Stress Ribbon Bridge. They
analyzed the model using ANSYS software. He concluded that bending moment in Stress
Ribbon Bridge is lesser than that in normal bridge structures.
Tomas Kulhavy [4] experimented on the ribbon bridge structure by using aero elastic model.
The bridge was tested to wind load using scaled aero elastic model to check structural
response in both cases i.e. dynamic and static loads.
Jagadeesh and Jayaram [5] explained manual design of a prestressed concrete deck slab in
their book “Design of Bridge Structures” according to IRC Class AA recommended in IRC
18:2000 code of reference for deck slab.
By studying all the references, the structure with 30 meters span of two sections has been
selected in this work. The Stress Ribbon Bridge is designed by manual process and analyzed
by CSI Bridge software. It is reported that the bridge structure is used only for pedestrians,
not for heavy loads [1]. This paper presents detailed analysis of ribbon bridge structure by
CSI Bridge software and used for development of transport vehicles in future generations.

3. MANUAL DESIGN OF A POST TENSIONED DECK SLAB

The following are the general requirements to design post tensioned deck slab for the bridge.
a) Slab length = 30 m
b) Traffic lane width = 8.536 mm
c) Thickness of wearing coat = 100 mm
e) Compressive strength of concrete at transfer (fci) = 40 MPa
f) Material
Grade of Concrete (M50), fck = 50 N/m
Grade of Concrete (Fe250), fy = 250 N/m
Strands: 7 mm diameter of high strength strand with ultimate tensile strength of 1200 MPa
Cable: 12 strands were anchored at end with suitable diameter of anchor block.
g) Permissible compressive stress in concrete at transfer and working loads Fct = 20MPa as
per IRC 18:2000, clause no: 7.1.2.
h) Permissible compressive stress in concrete under service load Fcw = 16.5MPa and loss ratio
= 0.8 as per IRC 18:2000, clause no: 7.2.1.
i) Prestress in concrete developed at top fibre, Finf = 19.396 MPa.
j) Prestress in concrete developed at bottom fibre, Fsup = -12 MPa.
k) Bursting force, Fbst = 61.4 kN.
Step1: Assume the overall thickness of slab as 50mm per meter span of the deck, and
calculate effective span of slab. Generally, bearing width (B.W) is taken as 400 mm.
Overall depth of slab, D = L x 50 = 30x50
= 1500 mm = 1.5 m
Effective depth of slab, d = 1500 – 25 - = 1.4 m
Effective span, Le = 30 + 0.4 = 30.4 m

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 Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade, Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Step2: Calculate the dead load, bending moment and shear force.
Dead Load of slab, Wd = 24x1.5 + 22x0.1 = 38.2 kN/
Shear Force, Vg = = = 581 kN

Bending Moment, Mg = = = 4413 kN-m

Step3: Calculate the maximum bending moment on live load.
According to IRC CLASS AA TRACKED vehicle consideration, assume the impact factor as
per IRC 21:2000 to find the effective width of dispersion for bending moment and shear
force.
1. Effective width of road, Lr = [Lt+2(d+tw)]
Lr = [ 3.6+2(2.4+0.1)] = 6.8 m
2. Total load of 2-tracks with impact:
Wtr = 350+350 = 701 kN
3. Effective width of slab bef = 2.225+2.05+3.585 = 7.86 m
4. Average intensity load, WL = = = 14.406 kN/
5. Maximum Bending Moment
ML = - = 1406 kN-m.
Step4: Calculate the maximum shear force due to live load.
Find the maximum live load and shear force according to IRC CLASS AA TRACKED
vehicle consideration. Find the effective width of dispersion for shear force.
1. Effective width of slab
be = 2.225+2.05+2.276 = 6.551 m
2. Load Intensity value
WL = = = 17.35 kN/
3. Maximum Shear Force
VL = = 105 kN
Step5: Calculate total bending moment (Mu) and total shear force (Vu).
1. The total bending moment is equal to sum of dead load B.M and live load B.M.
Mu = Md + Ml = s4413+1406 = 5819 kN-m.
2. The total shear force is calculated to the sum of dead load of S.F and live load of
S.F
Vu = Vd + Vl = 581+105 = 686 kN.
Step6: Verify the actual section modulus of rectangular section
Z = Zt = Zb = =[ ] = 375 x 10⁶ mm³
Hence, the section provided sufficient to accept the service loads.
Step7: Calculate the prestressing force required.
1. Prestressing force P = [ ]

= = 5547 kN

2. Force in each cable = = 554 kN

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 Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge Software

3. Spacing of cables = = 99.87 mm = 100 mm c/c.

Step8: Calculate the eccentricity of cables.
( )
e= = 1.0 m
Therefore, the eccentricity is to be made available at above to center of span. To achieve
this eccentricity, the cables should be given a parabolic profile.
Step9: Check all the stresses at the service loads i.e., yielding of steel; crushing of concrete;
and ultimate shear strength.
1. Check for failure due to yielding of steel: For under reinforced section, as per IRC
18:2000.
Ultimate moment capacity of section, (Mu)
Mu = 0.9 x dp x Ap x Fp = 11295x 10⁶ N-mm
2. Check for failure due to crushing of concrete: As per IRC 18: 2000, the required
ultimate capacity of section is
Mu = 1.5xMg + 2.5xMl = 10132 x 10⁶ N-mm.
3. Check for ultimate shear strength, (Vu)
Vu = 1.5xVg + 2.5xVq = 1134 kN.
Step10: Design the reinforcement with as 0.18% of gross sectional area.
As = = 2700 mm²
Therefore, 10 mm diameter of HYSD bars are provided with 100mm c/c at top and
bottom faces of slab in both the directions as shown in Fig: 2 and Fig: 3.
Step11: Finally, calculate bursting tensile force at end block and provide reinforcement in the
horizontal and vertical directions. The bursting force is calculated as per IRC 18:2000. The
area of steel required would be
= = = 282 mm².
Accordingly, 10mm diameter bars with 100 mm spacing in both horizontal and vertical
directions have been provided at distances of 100 mm and 200 mm respectively as shown in
Fig: 2 and Fig: 3.

Figure 2 Longitudinal reinforcement of deck slab

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 Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade, Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Figure 3 Transverse reinforcement of deck slab

4. CSI BRIDGE SOFTWARE

Modelling and Analysis of the bridge structure has been carried out by using CSI Bridge
software. The stepwise procedure of creating the model is given below.

4.1. Bridge Window

At first click on the “CSI Bridge 20” icon, a bridge window will display. Open a new file to
generate a window. Create a new template from a file menu and select a blank page to design
the bridge model and select the units based on the model dimensions.

4.2. Layout Lines

Layout line is a first step to define a bridge object, i.e., line object, and lanes. Layout line is an
orientation line i.e., used to define horizontal alignment for station distances. Next, to define
vehicle lanes and then, provide dimensions for lane-1 and lane-2.

4.3. Bridge Component

The bridge components consist of material properties for superstructure and substructure in
bridge wizard option. It is used to define the frame sections, bearings, foundation springs,
bent caps, columns etc., Click on the component option and proceed the step by step process
to define the components of this structure.

4.4. Loads
Traffic lanes are first taken, and also it is compulsory to define loads for the bridge model.
The loads can be selected in three different ways such as Vehicle Classes; Load Patters;
Moving Loads. In vehicle classes, choose IRC Tracked and IRC Wheeled load cases. The IRC
tracked load is taken to calculate the live loads and IRC wheel load is selected for the trucks.
The moving loads are selected from one of the “vehicle class (IRC Tracked)” to define as a
bridge model. Additional load pattern such as dead load, live load, prestress, etc., are
calculated manually. It shall be entered into the software for analysis.

4.5. Bridge Objects

It is the final step for creating a bridge model. It consists of activating the shapes, assigning
the loads to the elements chosen for the bridge structure such as spans, abutments, bents,
prestress tendons, etc., Next, click on the “update bridge” option to activate all the assigning
modules (lanes, spans, loads etc,).

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 Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge Software

4.6. Analysis
After creating a model, analysis is carried out. The analysis can be done to know the behavior
of bridge. The main aim of analysis is to get shear force and bending moment acting on the
structure. The bridge model is shown in Fig: 4. The bridge model after analysis is shown in
Fig: 5.

Figure 4 Before analyzing of a bridge model

Figure 5 After analyzing a bridge model

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

On comparing the results obtained manually and by software, a few minor differences in the
values were traced. The paper obtained both the maximum and minimum values with the
deformed structure at that particular point. The maximum and minimum values obtained for
shear force under dead load, live load and moving load values with that particular distances
are shown in Table:1.

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 Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade, Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Table 1 Comparison of results obtained by Manual method and with CSI Bridge software.
Reactions Manual Dead Live Moving Load
Values Load Load
Maximum 686 2061.0866 3739.0456 1292.4578
Shear Distance - 30 30 30
Force Minimum - -2061.0866 -2892.294 -1292.4578
Distance - 30 30 30
Maximum 5819 6272.902 9894.4915 7261.4749
Bending Moment Distance - 12,48 15,48 15,45
Minimum - -1147.4156 -18148 -3444.47
Distance - 30 30 30
Maximum - 6682.2228 10610.447 8819.9155
Stresses Distance - 30 30 15,45
Minimum - -6422.88 -25763.26 -6246.9
Distance - 12,48 30 12,48
Maximum - 2.613 2.655 3.429
Displacements Distance - 0 3 0
Minimum - -2.613 -3.369 -3.429
Distance - 60 57 60

5.1. Shear Force

The variation of a shear force diagram under dead load, live load and moving load is depicted
in Fig: 6a,6b,6c.
1. From these figures, it is observed that the maximum and minimum values occur due to live
load. Shear Force is more than due to dead load and moving load. The structure shows
deformed shape at common point of 30m in live load condition.

Figure 6a Shear Force on Dead Load Figure 6b Shear Force on Live Load
2. Figure:6c shows the “point of zero shears” generally occurs under a concentrated moving
load. The maximum shear force value obtained is 1292.4578 kN at 30m disance.

Figure 6c Shear Force on Moving Load

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 Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge Software

3. Here, the maximum and the minimum values occurred at a common point of 30m in every
loading condition.

5.2. Bending Moment

The variation of a bending moment diagram under dead load, live load and moving load is
depicted in Fig:7a,7b,7c.
1. From these figures, it is observed that the maximum and minimum values for bending
moment occur due to live load.
2. The maximum value of bending moment occurs at center of 15m in span 1 and 48m in
span 2 due to live load. The minimum value is observed at 30m from support.

Figure 7a Bending Moment on Dead Load Figure 7b Bending Moment on Live Load
3. For Moving load, the maximum bending moment occurs at 15m in span-1 and at 45m in
span-2. The minimum value is observed at 30m from support.

Figure 7c Bending Moment on Moving Load

5.3. Stress
The variations of stress diagrams under dead load, live load and moving load are presented in
Fig: 8a,8b,8c.
1. From these figures, it is observed that the maximum and minimum values are obtained for
live load.
2. Due to dead load and live load, the maximum values of stress occurred at 30m distance
and the minimum value at 12m,48m for dead load and 30m due to live load.

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 Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade, Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Figure 8a Stress on Dead Load Figure 8b Stress on Live Load

3. Fig: 8c shows that in elastic limit condition (Fc < Ft), the maximum value of stress 8819
kN/m is obtained at the tension side and the minimum value -6246 kN/m is obtained at the
compression side.

Figure 8c Stress on Moving Load

5.4. Displacements
The variation of a displacement diagrams under dead load, live load, and moving load is
depicted in Fig: 9a,9b,9c.
1. By observing these figures, it can be noted that due to dead load and moving load, the
deflection θ value is ocured at common point of 0m and 60m. For Live load, the
deflection θ value is occured at 3m and 57m.

Fig 9a Displacement due to Dead Load Fig 9b Displacement due to Live Load

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 Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge Software

2. For bridge structures, the limiting displacement is calculated by the formula L/1000 =
60mm. The maximum value is 3.429mm for moving load; the minimum value is 2.655mm
for live load and 2.613mm for dead load.

Figure 9c Displacement due to Moving Load

The deformed shaded area of a structure due to truck vehicles is shown in fig:10. The
figure shows that the structure is deforming at center of spans and at support of the bridge.

Figure 10 Deformed shape of the structure due to Truck Vehicles.

5.5. Influence Line Diagram

An Influence Line Diagram shows the variation of the shear force; bending moment due to
moving loads. Fig:11 shows the influence line diagram under moving load condition. The
deformed structure gets affected at 15m, 45m due to bending moment in maxima and 30m in
minima. Fig:12 shows the influence line diagram due to shear force. The structure is
deformed at support (30m) in both maximum and minimum conditions.

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 Mahendrakar Hemanth Kumar, Dr. Vaishali. G. Ghorpade, Dr. H. Sudarsana Rao

Figure 11 Influence Line Diagram Bending Moment at Moving Load Condition

Figure 12 Influence Line Diagram Shear Force at Moving Load Condition.

A majority of the structure length gets deformed at support (30m) both in shear force and
bending moment as shown in Fig:11, Fig:12.

6. CONCLUSIONS
Based on the manual design and the software analysis results, following conclusions are
drawn.
1. Comparing the manual results with those of software analysis for shear force and bending
moment, it is observed that the manual results are less than those of analysis with
software.
2. There are a few minor differences in the results of manual design and software analysis.
The software results release due to effect of its boundary conditions. So, the software
analysis results are higher than those with manual analysis.
3. The software focuses mainly on the analysis of the deck slab under different loading
conditions. The results pertaining to substructure are given only in the form of numerical
values without any pictorial representations.
4. The displacement is an important parameter for high rise structures, buildings and bridges.
In case of bridges, it should not exceed L/1000 i.e. 60mm for this case. In this work, this

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 Analysis and Design of Stress Ribbon Bridge with CSI Bridge Software

condition is satisfied for every loading i.e., Moving load = 3.429mm; Live load =
2.655mm; Dead load = 2.613mm that are considered in the analysis.
Finally, it is concluded that the bridge structure is safe as per both manual and software
analysis.

REFERENCES
[1] Tony Sanchez, “Stress ribbon bridge”, ASCE Journal, pp68-76 has shown the descriptive
part of path to safety in stress ribbon bridge.

[2] Aditya V.Jog, “Design of prestressed concrete stress ribbon bridge”, IJSER; ISSN 2229-
55518 has shown a characteristic of structural behavior of prestressed concrete deck slab.

[3] Siddhartha Ray, “Design and analysis of stress ribbon bridge”, International Journal of
Research in Engineering and Technology; eISSN 2310-1163 has given analyzed a span in
ANSYS software.

[4] Tomas kulhavy, (1998), “Stress ribbon bridge stiffened by arches or cables”, second Int’l
phd symposium in civil engineering, has shown bridge was tested to wind load using
scaled aeroelastic model.

[5] T.R. Jagadeesh and M.A. Jayaram, “Design of bridge structures” page no: 266 deign of
post tensioned prestressed concrete deck slab.

[6] N.Krishna Murthy, “Design of bridges”, page no: 478, 481 design of an abutment and
pier.

[7] IRC 18:2000, Design criteria for prestressed concrete road bridges (Post Tensioned
Concrete).

[8] IRC 6:2000, Standard specification and code practice for road bridges (Loads and
stresses) to study on live loads of classes.

[9] IRC 21:200, Standard specification and code practice for road bridges, Section – III
cement concrete (Plain and Reinforced) to consider the permissible stresses, clause no:
303.1, 303.2.1.

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