LONG SPAN RCC ARCH BRIDGES - STILL A DESIRABILITY FOR ADOPTION IN SUITABLE HILLY AREAS

Reinforced cement concrete (rcc) arch bridges were a usual form of construction up to the 1940's, but due to the advent of prestressed concrete and consequent construction of long beam spans, the popularity of rcc arch bridges decreased. The author suggests a revival of the art of arch bridging at least in hilly areas where it is most suitable and economical. General features of some of the outstanding existing arch bridges in India and abroad are given for appreciation of readers. Further, quick methods of working out preliminary designs for the purpose of preparing rough cost estimates are given for spans of 900 ft, 425 ft and 300 ft. The suggestion is made that a research grant be made available by the government to work out detailed type designs of arch bridges of different spans for enabling different states to adopt them when necessary. (TRRL)