T-GIRDER BRIDGE DESIGN

Design Data and Specifications

i) Material Properties
Steel strength, fy = 400 MPa
Concrete strength, f'c = 28 MPa
Concrete density, yc = 2400 kg/m3
Bituminous density, yb = 2250 kg/m3
ii) Bridge Span and Support Dimensions
Clear span of the bridge, Cs = 15 m
Road way/ clear carriage width, Rw = 7.32 m
Bottom width of the concrete barrier/ post, Bc= 0.35 m
Curb width including Bc, (Bc+Cw) = 1.18 m
Curb depth Cd = 0.25 m
Bearing shelf width, Wrs = 0.5 m
Girder Spacing, Gs = 2.3 m
Diaphragm Spacing, Ds = 5 m
Number of Diaphragms = 4
Concrete Barrier wall is used = 5 kN/m
Thickness of Asphalt Layer (Wearing Surface) = 100 mm
Concrete Cover for the slab (bottom) = 25 mm
Concrete Cover for the slab (top) = 60 mm
Concrete Cover for the girders = 50 mm
iii) Reinforcement Sizes
Diameter of main reinforcement for the girders = 32 mm
Diameter of main reinforcement for the slab = 16 mm
Diameter of distribution reinforcement = 12 mm
Diameter of temperature reinforcement = 12 mm
Diameter of shear reinforcement = 12 mm
 Design Method: LRFD
Specifications:
AASHTO, LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
Ethiopian Roads Authority, ERA Bridge Design Manual

𝐶𝑥2 𝐶𝑤 + 𝐵𝑐
𝑀𝐴 = 𝑊𝑠 + (𝑊𝑠 + 𝑊𝑐𝑏 )(𝐶𝑤 + 𝐵𝑐 )( + 𝐶𝑥 )
2 2
0.212 0.83 + 0.35
𝑀𝐴 = 4.71 × + (4.71 + 5.89)(0.83 + 0.35) ( + 0.21) = 10.11𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
2 2
𝐴𝑙 = (𝑊𝑠 + 𝑊𝑐𝑏 )(𝐶𝑤 + 𝐵𝑐 ) + 𝑊𝑠 𝐶𝑥
𝐴𝑙 = (4.71 + 5.89)(0.83 + 0.35) + 4.71 × 0.21 = 13.50𝑘𝑁/𝑚
 Deck Design

1. Deck Thickness
Minimum recommended thickness of the slab, to control deflection is 𝑡𝑠,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 185 mm.
(ERA BDM 2013, Article 5.4.1.1)
For continuous span slab;
𝑆+3000 2300+3000
𝑡𝑠 = = = 176.67𝑚𝑚 ≥ 185𝑚𝑚; Where 𝑆 = 𝐺𝑠 = 2300𝑚𝑚
30 30

Use 𝒕𝒔 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝒎𝒎
2. Web Thickness
Minimum thickness of the web, 𝑏𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 200𝑚𝑚 without prestressing duct. [AASHTO Art.
5.14.1.3.1c]. Assume 4 bars in one row are used:
𝑏 = 4∅ + 3(1.5∅) + 2(𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟) = 4 × 32 + 4.5 × 32 + 2 × 25 = 322𝑚𝑚
Use 𝒃 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎𝒎𝒎
3. Girder Depth
For simple span RC T- beams;
𝐷 = 0.07𝐿 = 0.07 × 15500 = 1085𝑚𝑚; Where 𝐿 = 𝐶𝑠 + 𝑊𝑏𝑠 = 15 + 0.50 = 15.50𝑚
Use 𝑫 = 𝟏𝟎𝟗𝟎𝒎𝒎

4. Girder Spacing and overhang

Numbers of girders, 𝑁𝑔 = 𝐼𝑁𝑇(𝑅𝑤 /𝐺𝑠 ) + 1 = 𝐼𝑁𝑇(7.32/2.3) + 1 = 4
𝐶𝑥 = 0.5(𝑅𝑤 − (𝑁𝑔 − 1)𝐺𝑠 ) = 0.5(7.32 − (4 − 1) × 2.3) = 0.21𝑚
𝐵𝑐 + 𝐶𝑥 + 𝐶𝑤 = 0.35 + 0.21 + 0.83 = 1.39𝑚 (Overhang)
Where:
𝐵𝑐 = Bottom width of the barrier (=0.35 m)
𝐶𝑥 = distance from the edge of the curb to the centerline of the exterior girder (=0.21 m)
𝐶𝑤 = Curb width (= 0.83 m)
5. Live load moments
When decks are designed using the approximate strip method (Art. 4.6.2.1) and the strips are
transverse, they shall be designed for the 145kN axle load (Art. 3.6.1.3.3). The design truck
load shall be positioned transversely to produce maximum force effects.
a. Maximum Positive Live Load Moment
For repeating equal spans, the maximum positive moment occurs near the 0.4 points of the
first interior span. The equivalent width of the strip over which the live load is applied is:
𝐸 = 660 + 0.55𝐺𝑠 = 660 + 0.55 × 2300 = 1925𝑚𝑚

Location of wheels for maximum positive live load moment

0.4𝐺𝑠 = 0.4 × 2.3 = 0.92𝑚 ⇒ Position of the second wheel x = 0.92 + 1.8 − 2.3 = 0.42m
From the Analysis of the above model;
𝑅𝐴 = 33.20𝑘𝑁; 𝑅𝐵 = 108.03𝑘𝑁; 𝑀𝑝𝑜𝑠 = 30.54𝑘𝑁𝑚;
33.20
𝑅𝑎 = 1.2 × = 20.70𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1.925
108.03
𝑅𝑏 = 1.2 × = 67.34𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1.925
30.54
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑃 = 1.2 × = 19.04𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
1.925
b. Maximum Interior Negative live load moment
The critical placement of live load for maximum negative moment is at the first interior
support. The width of equivalent transverse strip is (AASHTO, Table 4.6.2.1.3.1)
𝐸 = 1220 + 0.25𝐺𝑠 = 1220 + 0.25 × 2300 = 1795𝑚𝑚

Location of wheels for maximum negative live load moment

 From the Analysis of the above model;
𝑅𝐴 = 15.79𝑘𝑁; 𝑅𝐵 = 110.39𝑘𝑁; 𝑀𝑛𝑒𝑔 = −28.94𝑘𝑁𝑚;
15.79
𝑅𝑎 = 1.2 × = 10.56𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1.795
110.39
𝑅𝑏 = 1.2 × = 73.80𝑘𝑁/𝑚
1.795
−28.93
𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑁 = 1.2 × = −19.34𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
1.795
6. Weight of components
Slab (200mm thick), 𝑊𝑠 = 0.2 × 2400 × 9.81/1000 = 4.71 kN/m2
Wearing surface (100mm thick), 𝑊𝑤 = 0.2 × 2250 × 9.81/1000 = 2.21 kN/m2
Curb (250mm above slab) 𝑊𝑐𝑏 = 0.25 × 2400 × 9.81/1000 = 5.89 kN/m2
Barriers, 𝑊𝑏 = 5 kN/m
7. Dead load moments
An approximate method of analysis in which the deck is subdivided into strips perpendicular
to the supporting components shall be considered acceptable for decks. (AASHTO, Article
4.6.2.1.1). The strips shall be treated as continuous beams with span length equal to the c/c
distance between girders. The girders are assumed rigid. A one-meter strip width is taken for
the analysis.

For case in applying load factors, the bending moments will be determined for slab dead load,
Curb load, barrier load, wearing surface and vehicle loads separately.
a) Slab Dead load;
From the Analysis of the above model;
𝑅𝐴 = 13.23𝑘𝑁/𝑚; 𝑅𝐵 = 9.57𝑘𝑁/𝑚;
𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑀𝐴 = −4.55 ; 𝑀0.4 = −0.40 ; 𝑀𝐵 = −1.64
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
b) Curb Dead load;

From the Analysis of the above model;

𝑅𝐴 = 9.79𝑘𝑁/𝑚; 𝑅𝐵 = −2.84𝑘𝑁/𝑚;
𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑀𝐴 = −5.56 ; 𝑀0.4 = −2.94 ; 𝑀𝐵 = 0.98
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
c) Barrier Dead load;

From the Analysis of the above model;

𝑅𝐴 = 8.11𝑘𝑁/𝑚; 𝑅𝐵 = −3.11𝑘𝑁/𝑚;
𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑀𝐴 = −6.08 ; 𝑀0.4 = −3.22 ; 𝑀𝐵 = 1.07
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
d) Wearing Surface load;

From the Analysis of the above model;

𝑅𝐴 = 2.53𝑘𝑁/𝑚; 𝑅𝐵 = 5.56𝑘𝑁/𝑚;
𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑀𝐴 = −0.05 ; 𝑀0.4 = 0.92 ; 𝑀𝐵 = −1.14
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
8. Design (Factored) Moments
The factor for permanent loads is taken at its maximum value if the force effects are additive
and at its minimum value if it subtracts from the dominant force effect [Table A3.4.1-2].
𝑀𝑑 = 𝜂[1.25(𝑀𝐷𝐶 ) + 1.50(𝑀𝐷𝑊 ) + 1.75(𝑀𝐿𝐿+𝐼𝑀 )]
𝜂 = 𝜂𝐷 𝜂𝑅 𝜂𝐼 ≥ 0.95 Take 𝜂𝐷 = 0.95; 𝜂𝑅 = 1.05; 𝜂𝐼 = 0.95
𝜂 = 0.95 × 1.05 × 0.95 = 0.948 ≥ 0.95 ⇒ 𝑈𝑠𝑒 𝜂 = 0.95
𝑀𝑑,𝐴 = 0.95[1.25(−4.55 − 5.56 − 6.08) + 1.50(−0.05) + 1.75 × 1.33(0)]
= −𝟏𝟗. 𝟑𝟎𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
𝑀𝑑,𝐵 = 0.95[1.25(−1.64) + 0.9(0.98 + 1.07) + 1.50(−1.14) + 1.75 × 1.33(−19.34)]
= −𝟒𝟒. 𝟓𝟗𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
𝑀𝑑,(0.4) = 0.95[1.25(0) + 0.9(−0.4 − 3.22 − 2.94) + 1.50(0.92) + 1.75 × 1.33(19.04)]
= 𝟑𝟕. 𝟖𝟎𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
𝑅𝐴 = 0.95[1.25(13.23 + 9.79 + 8.11) + 1.50(2.53) + 1.75 × 1.33(20.70)]
= 𝟖𝟔. 𝟑𝟒𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
𝑅𝐵 = 0.95[1.25(9.57) + 0.9(−2.84 − 3.11) + 1.50(5.56) + 1.75 × 1.33(73.80)]
= 𝟏𝟕𝟕. 𝟑𝟖𝑘𝑁𝑚/𝑚
9. Check depth for flexure

𝛷 16
𝑑𝑝𝑜𝑠 = 𝐷 − 𝐶𝑐 − = 200 − 25 − = 167𝑚𝑚; Cc – Concrete Cover
2 2

𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑘𝑁𝑚 ′
𝑑𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥. = √ ′
; 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑝 = 37.80 ; 𝑓𝑐 = 28𝑚𝑝𝑎; 𝑏 = 1000𝑚𝑚
0.254𝑏𝑓𝑐 𝑚

37.80×106
𝑑𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥. = √0.254×1000×28 = 72.91𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝑑 = 167𝑚𝑚 Ok!
𝛷 16
𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑔 = 𝐷 − 𝐶𝑐 − = 200 − 60 − = 132𝑚𝑚; Cc – Concrete Cover
2 2

𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑘𝑁𝑚 ′
𝑑𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥. = √ ′
; 𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑝 = 44.59 ; 𝑓𝑐 = 28𝑚𝑝𝑎; 𝑏 = 1000𝑚𝑚
0.254𝑏𝑓𝑐 𝑚

44.59×106
𝑑𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥. = √0.254×1000×28 = 79.19𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝑑 = 132𝑚𝑚 Ok!
10. Reinforcement Design
Primary Reinforcement
a. Positive Moment Reinforcement ( 𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙,𝒑 = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟖𝟎𝒌𝑵𝒎/𝒎); 𝑑𝑝𝑜𝑠 = 167𝑚𝑚

2𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑝 𝜑𝑓𝑐′ 0.03𝑓𝑐′

𝜌 = (1 − √1 − ) ; 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ; 𝜑 = 0.85
0.9𝑏𝑑2 𝜑𝑓𝑐′ 𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

2 × 37.80(106 ) 0.85 × 28
𝜌 = (1 − √1 − 2
) = 0.0039
0.9 × 1000 × 167 × 0.85 × 28 400

0.03×28
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 0.0021; 𝜌 = 0.0039 ≥ 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.0021 𝑶𝒌!
400

𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑 = 0.0039 × 1000 × 167 = 𝟔𝟓𝟐𝒎𝒎𝟐

𝑏𝑎𝑠 1000×201
Spacing of ∅16 bars; 𝑆 = = = 308𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠 652

Use∅𝟏𝟔bars at 300mm.(𝑨𝒔,𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗. = 𝟔𝟕𝟎𝒎𝒎𝟐 )

b. Negative Moment Reinforcement ( 𝑴𝒎𝒂𝒙,𝑵 = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟓𝟗𝒌𝑵𝒎/𝒎); 𝑑𝑛 = 132𝑚𝑚

2𝑀𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑁 𝜑𝑓𝑐′ 0.03𝑓𝑐′

𝜌 = (1 − √1 − ) ; 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ; 𝜑 = 0.85
0.9𝑏𝑑 2 𝜑𝑓𝑐′ 𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦

2 × 44.59(106 ) 0.85 × 28
𝜌 = (1 − √1 − 2
) = 0.00801
0.9 × 1000 × 453 × 0.85 × 28 400

0.03×28
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 0.0021; 𝜌 = 0.0076 ≥ 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.0021 𝑶𝒌!
400

𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑 = 0.0076 × 1000 × 132 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟒𝒎𝒎𝟐

𝑏𝑎𝑠 1000×201
Spacing of ∅16 bars; 𝑆 = = = 201𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠 1004

Use ∅𝟏𝟔bars at 200mm. (𝑨𝒔,𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗. = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟓𝒎𝒎𝟐 )

Secondary Reinforcement
a) Distribution Reinforcement (AASHTO Article 5.14.4.1)
Secondary reinforcement is placed in the bottom of the slab to distribute wheel
loads in the longitudinal direction of the bridge to the primary reinforcement in the
transverse direction.
 The amount of distribution reinforcement at the bottom of the slab to distribute
the loads may be taken as a percentage of the primary reinforcement with a
minimum spacing of 250mm.
38.40
𝐴𝑠,𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡. = 𝐴𝑠,𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣. ≤ 0.67𝐴𝑠,𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣. ; 𝑆𝑒 = 𝐺𝑠 − 𝑏 = 2300 − 360 = 1940𝑚𝑚
√𝑆𝑒

38.40
𝐴𝑠,𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡. = × 670 = 𝟓𝟖𝟓𝒎𝒎𝟐 ≤ 0.67 × 670 = 449𝑚𝑚2 𝑂𝑘!
√1940
𝑏𝑎𝑠 1000×113
Spacing of ∅12 bars; 𝑆 = = = 252𝑚𝑚 ≤ 250𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠 449

Use ∅𝟏𝟐bars at 250mm. (𝑨𝒔,𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗. = 𝟒𝟓𝟐𝒎𝒎𝟐 )

b) Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement (AASHTO Article 5.10.8)

Reinforcement for shrinkage and temperature shall be provided near surfaces of
concrete exposed to daily temperature changes. The steel should be distributed
equally on both sides.
𝐴𝑔
𝐴𝑠,𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝. ≥ 0.75 ; 𝐴𝑔 − 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
𝑓𝑦
1000 × 200
𝐴𝑠,𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝. ≥ 0.75 = 375𝒎𝒎𝟐
400
𝐴𝑠,𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝. 375
𝑇𝑜𝑝 𝐿𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟 = = = 188𝒎𝒎𝟐
2 2
𝑏𝑎𝑠 1000×113 450
Spacing of ∅12 bars; 𝑆 = = = 601𝑚𝑚 ≤ {
𝐴𝑠 188 3𝐷 = 3 × 200 = 600
Use ∅𝟏𝟐bars at 450mm. (𝑨𝒔,𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗. = 𝟐𝟓𝟏𝒎𝒎𝟐 )
11. Detail Drawing