CVS 517 E: Design of Bridges

YEAR: V
COURSE CODE: CVS 517E
UNITS: 3

Course Outline

2016/2017 Academic Year

SEMESTER: I
COURSE NAME: DESIGN OF BRIDGES
LECTURER: DR. B. O. OMONDI

Purpose of the course

The purpose of this course is to enable students understand the principles of bridge
engineering, design, construction and maintenance of the bridges. The course will be limited
to the design of medium span bridges as reinforced concrete bridges, steel bridges and
composite bridges. Emphasis shall be laid on design and detailing exercises.
Course objectives
The objectives of this course are to:

1. Introduce students to the different types of bridges;

2. Enable students understand the principles of bridge design;
3. Guide students on the design and detailing aspects of commonly applied bridge
types;

4. Provide guidelines on the available inspection, maintenance and repair

procedures of existing bridges;
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, student should be able to

1. Identify and differentiate the different types of bridges;

2. Explain the principles of bridge design;
3. Carryout planning and location for bridge construction;
4. Design and detail commonly applied bridge types;
5. Describe the construction methods for bridges;
6. Outline the inspection schedule and describe the inspection procedures of
existing bridges;

7. Describe the preventive maintenance procedures of existing bridges;

8. Describe the repair procedures of existing bridges.
Course content
Chapter I: Introduction to design of bridges: General Introduction; Definitions; Bridge
design principles; Types of bridges; Components of a bridge; Types of Bridge decks; Types of
loads on bridges.
Chapter II: Planning and Location for bridge construction: Functional considerations;
Aesthetics

considerations;

Economic

Considerations;

Construction

and

erection

considerations; Legal considerations.

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CVS 517 E: Design of Bridges

Course Outline

2016/2017 Academic Year

Chapter III: Design of Selected Bridges (Reinforced concrete bridges, Steel bridges and
composite bridges): Basic Assumptions of Design; Calculation of loads; Analysis of effects of
loads; Preliminary design of bridge elements; Final design of bridge elements; Detailing of
bridge elements.
Chapter IV: Construction methods: Erection and hoisting method; Balanced cantilever
method; Construct in-situ method; Construct using precast beam; Construct using precast
girder section and erected by a launching machine; Incremental launching method
Chapter V: Inspection, Maintenance and repair of bridges. Maintenance inspection;
Acceptance inspection; Levels of assessment; Repair of concrete structures; repair of steel
structures
Field work: Students are expected to visit any existing and/or an ongoing bridge
construction to appreciate the practical aspects of bridge design and construction.
Laboratory work: Students may be expected to develop model bridges using simple
materials to enhance the practical appreciation of the various bridge elements and types.
Teaching and Learning Methods

Lecture

Tutorial

Laboratory work and field visits

Teaching Materials and Aids

Lecture handouts

Reference materials: Textbooks, internet

Computer software

Course Assessment

Continuous Assessment in the form of sit-in Tests

Course-work
End of Semester Examination

20%
40%
40%

Course References
1. M.J. Ryall, G.A.R Parke, J.E. Harding, (2003); Manual of Bridge Engineering, Thomas
Telford Ltd, London
2. D. Collings, (2009); Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges, Thomas Telford Ltd, London
3. V.K. Raina, (2003); Concrete Bridges: Inspection, Repair, Strengthening, Testing, Load
Capacity Evaluation, McGraw-Hill, New Delhi
Design Standards
1. BS 5400 Steel, concrete and composite bridges Parts 1 to 10
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CVS 517 E: Design of Bridges

Course Outline

2016/2017 Academic Year

2. BS 8110 Structural Use of Concrete Parts 1 to 3

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