STANDARDISATION OF SIMPLY SUPPORTED R.C. BOX GIRDER BRIDGES FOR I. R. C. LOADINGS

Abstract

Box or dosed cell single compartment or multi-compartment type of girders are being increasingly adopted as bridge etuperstrueturee because of their distinct advan-tages over other type of construction. One important advantage is that the eccentrically applied transverse loads are distributed more evenly over the cross section because: of the girder's high torsional stiffness. It can also be said that the maintenance cost of box girder bridge is legs than other type of bridges and its appearance. in aesthetically pleasing# Tho typical box girder bridge (Fig.l) consists of top and bottom concrete slabs monolithically connected by vertical webs to fora a cellular or box like structure.. The top slab serves a dual function as a top flange of the girder for longitudinal bending stresses; and as a transverse slab $panning between. girder Webs to carry wheel loads. `. he bottom.slab connecting the lower extremities of the webs provides 'the torsional rigidity of the box 8ect&on,