Government of Nepal

Ministry of Local Development

Department of Local Infrastructure development and Agricultural Roads
Rural Reconstruction and Rehabilitaion Sector Development Program

Norms for Detailed Engineering Survey, Soil Investigation and Detailed Design of
Bridge in hilly Region

SN Particulars Unit Quantity

Type Minor
1 Desk Study
1.1 Bridge/Structural Engineer md 5
1.2 Geologist md 4
1.3 Hydrologist md 4
1.4 Environmental Engineer md 3
2 Detail engineering survey of the site

2.1 Bridge Engineer md 7

2.2 Engineering Geologist md 5
2.3 Environmental Engineer md 1
2.5 Surveyor(2) md 7
2.6 Chainmen(4) md 14
2.7 Labours(4) md 14
2.8 Surveying equipment & logistics
LS
3 Hydrometric and Hydrological survey.

3.1 Hydrologist md 1
3.2 Supervisior md 1
3.3 Labours (4) md 4
4 Field Test
4.1 Excavation of 1 no. of 1m x 1m pit for soil sampling
up to a depth of 3 m
3 Cum total volumeTotal volume

5 Laboratory tests

a) Grain size analysis (Sieve analysis)

nos 8
b) Moisture content
nos 8
c)Atterberg limit tests(when applicable)
nos 8
d) Direct shear test
nos 8
6 Detailed design works
6.1 Bridge Engineer md 32
6.1 Geologist md 7
6.1 Hydrologist md 15
6.1 Environmental Engineer md 2
6.1 Draftperson (2) md 60
6.1 Computer operator
md 30
7 Preperation of reports

7.1 Preperation of reports including logistics, stationery, computer hire and miscellenous works **

a) Main report (2draft & 5 final copies) LS 1

b) Design Calculation (1 draft & 2 final copies) LS 1
c) Detailed Drawings (2 draft & 5 final copies) LS 1
d) Special provisions to standard specifications. (1 draft &
5 final copies) LS 1
Subtotal Sum (NRs.)
Total (NRs.)
VAT (13%)
Contingencies@5 %
 Government of Nepal
Ministry of Local Development
Department of Local Infrastructure development and Agricultural Roads
Rural Reconstruction and Rehabilitaion Sector Development Program

Norms for Detailed Engineering Survey, Soil Investigation and Detailed Design of Bridge
in Plain (Terain)Region

SN Particulars Unit Quantity

Type Minor
1 Desk Study
1.1 Bridge/Structural Engineer md 5
1.2 Geologist md 4
1.3 Hydrologist md 4
1.4 Environmental Engineer md 3
2 Detail engineering survey of the site

2.1 Bridge Engineer md 7

2.2 Engineering Geologist
md 5
2.3 Environmental Engineer md 1
2.5 Surveyor(2) md 7
2.6 Chainmen(4) md 14
2.7 Labours(4) md 14
2.8 Surveying equipment & logistics
LS
3 Hydrometric and Hydrological survey.

3.1 Hydrologist md 1
3.2 Supervisior md 1
3.3 Labours (4) md 4
4 Soil investigation
41
4.1 Drilling of borehole for soil exploration

(Number of bore holes, Deep type)

Nos. 2
a) In clayey,sandy soils,& gravel mixed soils

0 to 3m m 12
3m to 7.5m m 18
7.5m to 12m m 18
Subtotal drilling length m. 48
4.2 Field tests.
a) Excavation of 1m x 1m pit for soil sampling

up to a depth of 3 m Nos 2
Total volume cum 6
b) Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
nos 26
c) Geophysical Tests nos
4.3 Laboratory tests
a) Undisturbed soil sampling (during boring)
nos 8
b) Grain size analysis (Sieve analysis)
nos 8
c) Hydrometer analysis nos 8
d) Moisture content nos 8
e) Bulk and dry density nos 8
f)Atterberg limit tests(when applicable)
nos 8
g) Unconfined compression test
nos 8
h) Consolidation test nos 8
i) Direct shear test nos 8
5. Transportation *
5.1 Transportation of equipment & personnel including setting
up of equipment at first borehole (E/W=1.2, C=1, MW=1.4,
FW=1.5) For 1 job Factor X25000 Factor XRs.25000
5.2 Shifting of boring/drilling equipment at site
nos 1
6 Detailed design works
6.1 Bridge Engineer md 32
6.2 Geologist md 7
6.3 Hydrologist md 15
6.4 Environmental Engineer md 2
6.5 Draftperson (2) md 60
6.6 Computer operator md 30
7.Preperation of reports
7.1 Preperation of reports including logistics, stationery, computer hire and
miscellenous works **
a) Main report (2draft & 5 final copies) LS 1
b) Design Calculation (1 draft & 2 final copies)
LS 1
c) Detailed Drawings (2 draft & 5 final copies)
LS 1
d) Special provisions to standard specifications. (1 draft & 5
final copies) LS 1
Subtotal Sum (NRs.)
Total (NRs.)
VAT (13%)
Contingencies @ 5 %
Grand total (NRs.)

DesignStandards

Table3:BridgeDesignStandardandCriteria
DesignStandard DesignCriteria Remarks
th
Loadings: NRS20274 Revision Adopted Min.
IRCClassAsinglelane,or loading as
HS:2044singlelane32.4Grossweight compared to
FootpathLoading: 500kg/sqm DOR
WearingCoat 200Kg/sqm
SeismicForces: HorizontalLoad=0.10G AASHTO 16th
VerticalLoad=0.05G Edition
WindLoad: 240Kg/sqmForgirderand AASHTO 16th
360Kg/sqmFortrusses Edition
Temperature variation for Expansion +/25degreecentigrade AASHTO1977
joints
Geometricstandard:
NumberofLanes: Singlelane4.25m AADT <200
Footpathsaspersitecondition Whereneeded1.0mfootpathsprovided vehicles per
VerticalClearance 4.75m day
Note:overheadwires,polesetc.shallbe
atleast7.0mabovetheroadsurface. Recommendati
onofIRC
BridgeClassifications
(a)ClassificationonSpanLength
Culverts:Upto6.0mspan L=or<6m
MinorBridge:6>L<25m 6>Spanlength<20m
MediumBridge:25>SL<50:TL<100m Lengthupto20m:SL<20m
MajorBridge:SL>50m:TLup100m SL>50andLengthupto100m
(b)ClassificationonDesignLife:
TemporaryBridge
Semipermanentbridgeand
PermanentBridge
Verticalclearance(FreeBoard):
Min. vertical Clearance: In case of MinimumVerticalclearance:
channel for high level bridge normally Discharge Vert.Clearance
between 1 and 2m above HFL to allow (cum/sec) inmm
floatingdebristopassunhindered. Lessthan200 600
Note: 201500 800
Thefreeboardfortheapproachtohigh 5012000 1000
level bridges shall not be less than 20015000 1500
 DesignStandard DesignCriteria Remarks
2000mm. For aggrading rivers in 5000 and More than
Himalayan foothills and flood plain above 2000
areas of Churiya range, the free board
shall be suitably increased above
2000mm.

MaterialSpecification
Concretegrade Concrete 28 days
Grade strength
M15(1:2:4) 15N/SQMM
M20(1:1.5:3) 20N/SQMM
M25(1:1:2) 25N/SQMM
Reinforcement: AllreinforcingbarsshallbeofHighYield
Strength Deformed Bars (Grade
designation S 415) confirming to IS:
1786.

Specification Standard Specification for Road and
bridges2001.

 Government of Nepal

Ministry of Local Development

DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVLOPMENT AND AGRICULTURAL

ROADS (DoLIDAR)

Rural Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Sector Development Program

(RRRSDP)

Project Coordination Unit (PCU)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FOR

DETAILED ENGINEERING SURVEY, SOIL INVESTIGATION AND DETAILED DESIGN OF

BRIDGES

June, 2009
 Name of Bridge:..Name of River...
Name of Road:...
Location:

1.0 INTRODUCTION

RRRSDP/ PCU of DoLIDAR, intends to utilize services of engineering consulting firms

well experienced in the field of soil investigation, hydrological studies, bridge engineering,
river training works, environment aspects etc. for providing engineering consulting services
for detail design work of proposed bridge(s) including river training works, and approach
roads. The bridge shall have 4.25m carriageway width without footpaths. Bridge that falls
on Rural Roads shall be designed for IRC Class A or AASHTO HS:20-44 loading. Super
structure of the bridge(s) shall have as far as possible identical designs, including the
bearings and expansion joints and parapets.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

Bridge/s is to be designed for a design life of more than 50-years and with low maintenance
cost. Structures must harmonize with the surroundings and present a pleasing appearance.
The maximum possible use of identical spans and elements in the design will be appreciated
for the sake of economy. Test boring and foundation analysis should extend sufficiently
below the lowest foundation level, where pressures are substantially dissipated. This depth
shall be determined by analysis and shown on the design report.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The consultants shall perform detailed technico-economical analysis (technico-economical

impact if bridge is shifted at other possible location in the reasonable up and/or down stream
of suggested bridge site) along with related works herein to attain the desired objectives.
The consultant shall be responsible for accuracy, interpretation, analysis of all data received
and for the conclusion and recommendations in their report. The mentioned scope of work
to be carried by the consultant shall broadly include but not limited to the following:

(a) Desk Study

A desk study should be carried out collecting all the data, maps and information relevant to
bridge design and reviewing for planning of further field survey and investigation works as
well as detailed design.
(b) Detailed Engineering Study Survey
Detailed engineering study shall include:

(1) Technical Feasibility Study:

It should include:

reviewing the available data

collecting, reviewing and analysis of field data to be used in the study
conducting analysis to decide upon the technical feasibility of the bridge site (s)

A cost comparison of different types of bridge shall be made and discussed with
PCU/RRRSDP Bridge before proceeding to bridge site for soil investigation.

(2) Geological and Geomorphologic Study

In this study the following points related to river, its catchment area and all the
considered bridge sites should be studied in detail.
(i) Topography
(ii) Nature and structure of the surface soil
(iii) Nature and structure of local as well as regional geology
(iv) Possibility of change of catchment
(v) Nature, size and quantities of debris carried by the river
(vi) Intensity, duration and distribution of rain in the catchment
(vii) Vegetation, cultivation etc. of the catchment
(viii) Existence of reservoirs, lakes etc in the catchment.
(ix) Existing and/or existed bridges or other hydraulic structures across the river in the
vicinity of the proposed bridge site with their details as much as possible. If the
proposed bridge is suggested to build in lieu of the existing/damaged structure,
the salvage value of the same must be worked out and provided in the report.
(x) Other information as per need.

(3) Bridge Site Selection and Environmental Impact Study

The most suitable site for the bridge based on the above characteristics of the site as well
as the catchment area shall be selected. The selected site should be clearly indicated in
the map and all the characteristic features of the chosen bridge site shall be given, in
order to facilitate easy reference while designing the bridge.
The environmental impact study shall be carried out i.e. identifying the environmental
changes due to the proposed structures and the outcomes of the study need to be
 presented clearly in the form of recommendations and subsequently be considered in
detail design. DoLIDAR environmental guidelines are to be followed.

(4) Topographical Survey

The topographical survey of the area should cover a minimum distance of 500 m
upstream, 200 m downstream and 200 m from the river banks from either side at the
proposed bridge sites. The topo-map should show the following:

(i) Contours at 1 (one) m intervals in hilly area and at 0.3 m in plain area
(ii) Flood lines on either side of the rivers in the entire area surveyed
(iii) Lines with spot levels along which the bed slope of the river taken
(iv) Both banks of then river
(v) Lines along which cross-section of the river taken
(vi) Govt. and/or public establishments
(vii) Traverse lines, benchmarks including reference lines and/or points with respect to
which the present topo-map is prepared
(viii) The angle and direction of skew, if the bridge is proposed to be aligned skew
(ix) The names of the nearest identifiable village/town etc. in either ends of the
proposed bridge
(x) Other information pertinent to design, construction and/or maintenance of the
proposed bridge

(5) Hydrological Study

For determination of all design data the consultant shall carry out a detailed
hydrometrical survey and hydrological study of the river along with the bridge site
which shall include the following:

(i) Catchment area of the river up to bridge site

(ii) Length of the river from origin up to bridge site
(iii) Slope of the river from the critical point (origin) of the river up to bridge site
(iv) Cross-sections covering 200 m beyond flood lines of the river at proposed bridge
site, at about 500m up-stream and 200 m down-stream wherein HFL, LWL,
LBL, area of cross-section, wetted perimeter and geological profile with silt
factor of each strata (at proposed bridge site only) shall be indicated. However,
the scale of the drawing for horizontal and vertical should be the same.
 (v) The drawing should include the slope of the river at the proposed bridge site
which should be extended 300 m U/S and 200 m D/S along the centerline of the
river
(vi) Maximum discharge shall be calculated by established formulas with different
return periods
(vii) The peak discharges calculated for a returned of 50-years shall be taken as a
maximum discharge
(viii) Velocity and depth of the flow at the time of survey
(ix) Shifting of the river course in the past (if any) and the vicinity of it
(x) Other information required for river control, design, construction and/or
maintenance of the bridge

(6) Seismolological study

Nepal being a seismic prone zone, a seismic consideration needs to be taken into account
while designing a bridge structure. To workout the seismic coefficient the design
standard and criteria RRRSDP (recently proposed by BS) or IRC: 6-1966 (Reprint 1985)
may be followed.

(7) Sub-surface Exploration

After the selection of proposed bridge site with alternatives and preparation of topo-
sheets, the consultants must discuss along with the collected hydrological data and the
following points with the DTOs in the respective district and PCU/BS in the headquarter
for the final decision to carryout the soil exploration and design of the bridge:
Design discharge
Scour depth, maximum scour depth
Linear waterway
Anticipated soil condition for foundation
The most feasible proposed site
River training and approach roads
Type of proposed foundation, sub-structures and superstructure

After discussion with the consultant, PCU/ concerned DTO will approve the bridge site at
which the soil investigation shall be carried out including relevant required tests etc. as
mentioned hereunder.

(1) .No. of bore holes (depending upon the river) each to a depth as explained
in preferably at a possible locations of abutments and piers with conduction of
SPT
(2) .No. auger holes in the river to a depth of m for determination of
mean particle size of riverbed materials in each layer.
(3) The depth of soil exploration from existing ground level must not exceed as
mentioned below (unless otherwise necessitated by the type of bridge):

In the silty sand and other sand strata 4 times of the designed scour
depth
In strata of gravel and boulders 2.5 times of designed scour depth
In soft rock a maximum of 8m, and
In hard rock a maximum of 3 m

(4) Depth of soil exploration carried out must be certified by the concerned DTO
chief for each bore hole and should be submitted in plastic bags duly labeled to
the concerned DTO for the record and for further testing.

(5) Laboratory Test

(a) Natural moisture content
(b) Sieve analysis
(c) Hydrometric analysis
(d) Attebergs limit
(e) Specific gravity
(f) Unconfined compression test
(g) Direct shear test
(h) Consolidation test
(i) Tri-axial tests
(j) Other tests as per need

(k)

(Note: - Only the test quantified in the Bill of Quantities are payable)

(6) Determination of bearing capacity including other engineering properties of each

layer of soil with respect to assumed factor of safety and proposed type of
foundation
(7) Recommendation of type of bridge, and its foundation, depth of foundation
(8) Other necessary soil survey as found essential for design and construction of the
bridge
 (9) Availability of the construction materials like: sand, gravel, boulder timber etc with
their engineering properties, and lead up to bridge site. Quarry site of material with
their available quantities should be shown on a sketch plan with reference to bridge
site
(10) If the soil strata is found to be different from mentioned in the bill of quantities, the
consultant should immediately inform (report to concerned DPO/DTO) and the
concerned project office, and keep them informed about the change of strata till the
drilling work is finished for each bore holes

(c)Analysis of Data, Conclusion and Recommendation of Design Parameters

Based upon the above mentioned studies and investigations the consultants shall make
the best use of his technical know-how and professional skill to arrive at and recommend
the most cost effective design parameters. In his recommendations the consultants shall
discuss in detail at least two (2) different options and shall give full justification in
support of the chosen one and recommended by him for further design.

(d) Analysis and Discussion

The consultant shall submit a certified copy by concerned DTO chief of field data in the
form of field report along with analysis and interpretation, and recommendations. After
discussion with consultant on their recommendation, PCU will approve (with some
change if felt necessary) the proposal and accordingly the consultant may proceed for
further investigation and analysis.

(e) Detail Design

If not covered by aforesaid, the consultants shall perform other studies, exploration,
tests, surveys, calculations etc. warranted to produce full and complete set of
construction plans (drawings), specifications, bill of quantities, requirement of material
and complete cost estimates for the bridge(s) including related works based upon which
construction activities can be started to complete without further study and/or reference
to him. This must include the following maps and /or drawings with details indicating
thereon:

(1) Counter map of bridge site as mentioned in (b)

(2) Map of full catchment area
(3) L-section of river bed and X-sections of river as mentioned in (c )
(4) Map of shifting of river bed
(5) Bore logs with all details
(6) Lay out plan and profile of the bridge including approach roads on either side
(7) Plan and profile of river training and other protection works
 (8) Detailed drawings of structural elements like foundations, piers, abutments,
capping beams, deck, beams/trusses etc. The detail drawings must contain
specification, arrangement of reinforcements including laps etc. Beside this,
volume of works including the quantities of materials required should be
provided.

4. REPORTS

In accordance with RRRSDP/DoLIDAR standard and procedures the consultants shall

submit their reports as under:

(a) Field Report

This report will contain bridge site plan showing alignment of bridge foundations and
location of bore holes/logs with description of samples taken at every change of
strata. Preliminary field report shall be submitted to DTO/PCU in two (2) - copies and
should be discussed with PCU/BS. This should contain Index Map as well as location
map of the bridge with respect to complete rural road network of the district.

(b) Preliminary Design Report

This report shall contain the preliminary design concepts and short description
relating to the proposed structure and its major components, e.g. superstructure, pier,
foundations, river training works and protection works, approach road etc. It shall
include locations of proposed foundations and arrangement of the bridge components
along with the comparison between the possible alternative types.
This report shall be submitted in three (3) copies and the contents shall be discussed
with DTO/PCU/BS before proceeding to the detailed design of the bridge.
The consultants should produce:
A plan and longitudinal section of the river to scales of 1/1000 horizontal and
1/100 vertical
At least three cross-sections plotted to a natural scale of 1/100, one at the
proposed site and one each at the U/S and D/S limits of the plan
Information on the terrain and other in the vicinity of the proposed site should
be marked on the plan as well as the direction of the flow of the river and the
location of the cross-sections
The longitudinal section should indicate the highest and ordinary flood levels
and the low water level as well as the lowest bed level
(c) Draft Report

This report shall in all respect be complete, containing all the required components of
the design and be presented in clear and easy to refer formats as per the general
guidance attached. This must contain and not necessarily be limited to:

An index map showing the location of the proposed bridge, existing

road network system, and general topography of the area, business
centers /important places with banking administrative and medical
facilities.
The location map of the bridge with respect to complete road network
of the district
Photographic views of the proposed site(s) and existing structures, if
any
Findings, analysis, conclusions and recommendations of the
consultants with all necessary calculations
Complete set of detailed drawings
Volume of works, requirement of materials and equipment, analysis
rates, estimated cost of individual items and of the project as a whole,
BOQ etc.
Plan and programme of construction of bridge and related works
giving sequence of execution of the individual items
Advice of the consultants which he feels essential for construction and
maintenance of the bridges and related works.

This report shall be submitted in 3 (three) copies for review and comments by
RRRSDP/DTO/PCU. Out of 3-copies, one copy is to be submitted to the DTO-chief
for his comments.

(d) Final Report

After all corrections and incorporation of all the comments and suggestions to the
submitted draft report, separate reports for each bridges shall be submitted to PCU
(RRRSDP) in 5 (five) copies.
 (e) Design Calculations
Detailed design calculations with all necessary reference and related figures and
sketches shall be submitted in 3 (three) copies.

(f) Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and Special Provision

The BOQ in accordance with GON practice shall be submitted in Copies.

(g) Special Provisions to Standard Specifications

Special Provisions to Technical Specification DoLIDAR -1999 and or Standard

Specification For Road and Bridges 2001 shall clearly be identified, define all
technical aspects of the items of works not covered by the standard specifications
mentioned above in most precise way and be produced and submitted as a separate
document for each of the bridge in 10 (ten) copies.

(h) Liaison with the concerned District Technical Offices (DTOs/DPOs)

Consultants should and must keep the concerned DTOs/DPOs/PCU well informed
about the ongoing works.

5. TIME SCHEDULE

The consultants shall complete the assigned works as per the following schedule:

(a) Field Report within 4 (four) weeks started from the date of signing of Agreement.
(b) Draft Report within . Weeks from the date of submission of the field
report.
(c) Final Report within two weeks after receiving DTO/PCU/BS comments on the
draft report

Note:

The following should be compiled with at the proposed bridge site:

(i) Center line of the proposed bridge must be fixed, for this 3-RCC posts (1: 2: 4) of
150 * 150 mm in section and 750 mm length each should be installed projecting 150
mm above the ground at the two banks of the river along the center line of the
bridge.
 (j) Similar posts (at least one post at each bank) should be fixed in the right of way and
beyond the zone of inundations for Bench Marks, whereon BM No. and elevation
must be written in fast colour. If permanent structures are available in the vicinity of
the bridge site, they can be used for BM in lieu of the posts.
(k) All center line and BM posts should be connected with sufficient permanent
reference points

6. CONSIDERATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

The consultant is required to predict damages to the environment and attempt to mitigate
or minimize the damages by choosing appropriate site, cross-section, type of structures
etc. and suggest appropriate measures in the design for protection of surrounding
environment. DoLIDAR/DOR environmental guidelines are to be followed.

7. USE OF COMPUTERS

The consultants are encouraged to use computers and appropriate software. But the
software to be used in engineering design works must be approved by PCU/RRRSDP.
Further, the reports should contain adequate information on methodology adopted in the
programme, summarized flow-diagram, description of formula used in the program, data
required for input and result obtained in output etc. It does not, however apply to a Word
Processing software, but formula used in Spreadsheet must be described.

8. WORKING TEAM

The working team for field and office works should necessarily consists of the following
Key Personnel together with adequate supporting manpower.

Bridge / Structural Engineer

Geo-technical Engineer / Engineering geologist
Hydrologist

9. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENT

Bridge Engineer/Structural Engineer -1

The Bridge Engineer/Structural will be a qualified civil engineer with specialization in

Bridge Engineering and / or Structural Engineering. The Bridge Engineer should have at
least 7 years of general experience and 5 years of specific experiences in bridge design
works. He should have successfully carried out design of at least 2- bridges before.
The Bridge Engineer will undertake the following task:

Review the reports (Soil investigation, Hydrological Investigation, Detailed

engineering survey)
Carry out the detail structural design work of each component of a bridge
structure e.g. foundation, sub-structure, superstructures including the design of
secondary works of bridge bearing, expansion joints, approach roads, wing walls
etc.)
The design report should include all necessary design calculation of each
component
Undertake additional tasks related to bridge as required by PCU/DPOs
Bridge engineer will act as a team leader in carrying out the overall work

(a) Engineering Geologist/Geo-technical Engineer - 1

The expert should have a master degree in geo-technical engineering or master in

geology with bachelor degree in civil engineering. S/he should have at least 7-years of
general experience and at least 5 years of experience in relevant field.

The Geologist/Geo-technical Engineer will undertake the following tasks:

Review the survey report, hydrological report and location of the bridge site
Carry out geo-technical investigation as described in Para 3 (7)
Analyze the soil investigation report and based on it recommend the type of
foundation to the bridge structure
Undertake additional tasks related to the bridge foundation as desired by
PCU/CISC/DPOs

(b) Hydrologist - 1

The Hydrologist will be professionally qualified hydrologist or civil engineer with

elective subject of hydrology.

The hydrologist should have at least 5 years of general experience and 3 years of
specific experience in study and investigation of hydrological works for bridges.

The hydrologist will undertake all the work as described in Para 3 (5)
Recommend the necessary data for the design of bridge structure
Undertake additional tasks as required by PCU/CISC/DPOs
10. 0 MODE OF PAYMENT

Mode of payment to the consultant will be as under:

10.1 Mobilization Advance

Mobilization advance will be paid to the consultant after the survey team is
mobilized to the site. Mobilization advance will be paid as 20 % (twenty
percent) of the quoted rate.

On submission of the Draft Report 40 % (forty percent) of the quoted

amount will be paid.

10.3 Final Payment

Final payment will be maid to the consultants after submission of the Final Report.