ECONOMIC DESIGN OF MEDIUM AND MINOR HIGHWAY BRIDGES - 1

The paper discusses in detail the various factors which affect the economy of a bridge project. The different types of structures commonly adopted for highway bridges are considered in turn, and the suitability of each is discussed under given site conditions. A comparative cost analysis for highway bridges is carried out for (I) various types of bridges; (II) bridges of the same type but using different types of materials; and (III) bridges of a particular height but with varying span lengths. Finally, the need for large-scale standardisation and use of prefabricated structures for speedy and economical construction is emphasised. The first part of the paper enumerates the various factors which affect economy, discusses the considerations involved in selecting a suitable site, and indicates the data required to be collected for design of the bridge. (a) (TRRL)