9/13/2014

Saroj Bhattarai
SDE, DOR

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Common methods of analysis and

design

Working /  Limit State 
Permissible  method
Stress Method
Load Factor 
Method

• Until recently, the IRC allowed only the Working Stress Method for 
the bridges
• Since 2011, the IRC has started to allow the Limit State Method for 
bridges and accordingly revised the corresponding codes.

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Basic design steps:

 Prepare a mathematical model of the structure (e.g. a

line with support conditions, for a beam)
 Assume dimensions and properties of the structure’s
elements (section sizes, characteristic strength, etc.)
 Apply the possible loads on the structure including the
Dead Load of the elements
 Assess the stresses in the elements of the structure
 Check if the stresses are within the safe limit or check if
the internal capacity of the structure is sufficient to resist
the
h lloads.
d
 Repeat if necessary

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Working / Permissible Stress Method

o Purely elastic behavior of the elements
(Hooke’s Law) Stress Yield point

o Stress due to service loads ≤ Yield Failure

strength x Factor of safety
Elastic Limit
o Quite large factors of safety. A single
FOS for
f materials
t i l covers allll th
the
Allowable 
uncertainties
Stress 

o Modular Ratio is used to convert Strain

different materials into a single
homogeneous material

The draw backs: 
• Actual load carrying capacity can not be predicted accurately
• Usually uneconomic design

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Limit State Method

o Limit state of two conditions:
o Limit state of collapse
o Limit state of serviceability

o Factored Loads < Factored Strength

o Different partial factors of safety used Deflection within the limit

f different
for diff t loads,
l d strength
t th off
materials, and conditions

Excessive deflection / cracks
o This method considers the ultimate
(Limit state of serviceability)
strength as well as serviceability
condition,
diti which
hi h gives
i an early
l warning
i
of failure of the structure
Collapse
(Limit State of failure)

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Indian codes and guidelines for design of

bridges
Particulars Content / Remarks
Nepal Bridge Standard - 2067 Published by DOR. Basically refers to the Indian
Standards except a few parameters
IRC:5 - 1998 Deals with general features of design: hydrology,
scour, dimensions, geometric design, etc.
IRC:6 – 2000, 2014 Loads and stresses to be considered. After version
2000,, provisions
p for Limit State method are
incorporated
IRC:18 - 2000 Prestressed concrete bridges. Amalgamated with
IRC:112-2011
IRC:21 - 2000 Plain and Reinforced Concrete bridges. Amalgamated
with IRC:112-2011
IRC:22 – 1986, 2008 Composite bridges. Limit state method introduced
from version 2008
IRC:24 – 2001, 2010 Steel bridges. Limit state method introduced from
version 2010

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Indian codes and guidelines for design

of bridges
Particulars Content / Remarks
IRC:40 - 2002 Bridges with brick, stone and block masonry.
IRC:45 - 1972 Recommendations on soil resistance below scour
level for well foundation
IRC:78 – 2000,
2000 2014 Bridge foundations and substructures.
substructures Limit state
method introduced from version 2014
IRC:83 – 1999 (Part – I) Metallic bearings
IRC:83 – 1987 (Part – II) Elastomeric bearings
IRC:83 – 2002 (Part – III) POT, POT – cum PTFE, Pin and Metallic guide
bearings
IRC:112 - 2011 Plain, Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete bridges.
Amalgamates IRC:18 and 21. To be used in
conjunction with IRC:6 – 2010, 2014

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Special Publications regarding bridges

Particulars Content / Remarks
IRC:SP:13 - 2004 Guidelines for design of small bridges and
culverts
IRC:SP:66 - 2005 Guidelines for design of continuous bridges
IRC:SP:67 - 2005 Guidelines for Use of External and Unbonded
Prestressing Tendons in Bridge Structures

Source: www.irc.org.in

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Other bridge design codes and specifications

• AASHTO LRFD Bridge g Design
g Specification,
p 6th edition, 2012, with
California amendments in January 2014
• DMRB – Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (British design
manual)
• BS -5400 British Standard Specifications and Code of Practice for
bridges

The design specifications and codes are frequently changing. One should
check for the latest editions / versions for updated documents.

The FHWA of the USA made it mandatory to use LRFD specifications only
after 2000.
IRC has just started to incorporate Limit State method after 2010.

In this context discuss whether we should also adopt the Limit State
method in bridge design.