Computer Program for Comparative Study of the Analysis and Design of Reinforced Concrete T-Girder and Box-Girder Bridges
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Bridges affect people. People use them, and engineers design them and later build and maintain them.
Bridges do not just happen. They must be planned and engineered before they can be constructed.
Planning and designing of bridges is part art and part compromise, the most significant feature of
structural engineering.
Design standards recommend span lengths to be the basic criteria for selecting bridge types, such as T-or
Box-Girder bridge. Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) bridge design manual recommends reinforced
concrete T-Girder bridges can be economical for spans from 12 to 20m and Box-Girder bridges for span
lengths of between 30-90m. According to Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA) bridge design
manual of 2004, the recommended span length range for a reinforced concrete T-Girder bridge is 10 - 20m
and that of the Box-Girder bridge is 15-35m.
In some design standards, such as AACRA bridge design manual of 2004 and AASHTO bridge design
specifications of 2005, overlap in there recommendation of economical span range for T-Girder and Box-
Girder bridges have been perceived. Furthermore, inconsistency in selection of the bridge type based on
provided span length is also verified while conducting the site visit for this study. Hence, identifying a
clear demarcation of span length for selecting the bridge type (T- / Box-Girder), on the basis of economy,
happens to be found indispensable.
This study basically concentrates on developing a computer program using “FORTRAN 95” programming
language software for analysis, design, and cost estimate of superstructures of reinforced concrete TGirder
and Box-Girder bridges. As a result, it come up with a solution for the design problems associated
with the economical span range of the two types of bridges.
A comparative study on the basis of cost of materials (construction cost) is conducted to select and
identify the economical span range of T-Girder and Box-Girder bridges. The developed program is
demonstrated using particular examples of both T-Girder and Box-Girder bridges.
The study has procured a solution to benefit clients, consulting firms and contractors working in road
infrastructure sector in the design and design review (checking) process.
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Civil Engineering