Chapter 12

Maximum Deflection in Bridges

The elastic deflections of girders due to L.L. (without dynamic effect) shouldnt exceed:Category Railway bridges Roadway bridges Structural buildings Max allowable deflection L/800 L/600 L/300

Crane track girders

L/800

To cancel the deflection due to dead load a cumber is done during the construction of the beams or trusses, where the structure will be have the required shape after erection. In case of suspension bridges the cumber is done by adding both the deflection due to D.L. and L.L. into consideration.

The minimum sections to be used in structural steel works shall be as follows:-

Section Equal angles unequal angles

Railway bridges 75758 75508 No20 No16 8mm 12mm

Roadway bridges 65657 65507 No16 No12 8mm 10mm

Structural buildings 45455 45305

S.I.B.
Channels Plates Gusset plates for main truss

No12
No8 5mm 8mm