wing wall

Definitions (2)
1. A short

section of wall at an angle to a bridge abutment, used as a retaining wall and to stabilize the
abutment.
2. A short section of wall used to guide a stream into an opening, such as at a culvert or bridge.

Picture of wing wall

Bridges[edit]
In a bridge, the wing walls are adjacent to the abutments and act as retaining walls. They are generally constructed of the same
material as those of abutments. The wing walls can either be attached to the abutment or be independent of it. Wing walls are
provided at both ends of the abutments to retain the earth filling of the approaches. Their design depends upon the nature of the
embankment and does not depend upon the type or parts of the bridge. [1]
The soil and fill supporting the roadway and approach embankment are retained by the wing walls, which can be at a right angle
to the abument or splayed at different angles. The wing walls are generally constructed at the same time and of the same
materials as the abutments.

Classification of wing walls[edit]

Wing walls can be classified according to their position in plan with respect to banks and abutments. The classification is as
follows:
1. Straight Wing walls: used for small bridges, on drains with low banks and for railway bridges in cities (weep holes are
provided).
2. Splayed Wing walls: used for bridges across rivers. They provide smooth entry and exit to the water. The splay is
usually 45. Their top width is 0.5 m, face batter 1 in 12 and back batter 1 in 6, weep holes are provided.
3. Return Wing walls: used where banks are high and hard or firm. Their top width is 1.5 m and face is vertical and back
battered 1 in 4.[2] Scour can be a problem for wing walls and abutments both, as the water in the stream erodes the
supporting soil.[3]