Issue 2: July-Dec. 2024

Satya Sapath Roy, Pramalathan Arasaratnam

Abstract:This paper discusses an innovative approach in erecting single line girders over long spans. This procedure was successfully applied on the NSR bridges as a case study. The project involved upgrading existing twin bridges to accommodate increased traffic capacity, requiring the extension of the structures outward. Initially constructed in 2005, these twin structures—northbound (NB) and southbound (SB)—feature four spans (80 m – 100 m – 100 m – 80 m) and utilize 3.6 m deep welded steel plate girders. Each bridge was originally designed to accommodate two 3.7 m wide lanes of traffic, along with 2.5 m inside shoulders and 3.0 m outside shoulders. The SB bridge also supports a suspended pedestrian walkway. The widening project aimed to upgrade the roadway and bridges to a six-lane configuration, with three lanes in each direction, achieved by extending the structures outward. One of the significant logistical challenges was minimizing public disruption, given that the twin bridges serve over 80,000 vehicles per day (vpd) in this vital traffic corridor. Another key challenge was the erection of a single line of 3.6 m deep steel girders over long spans, necessitating careful detailing and erection methodology for girder stability. This study paper will provide a comprehensive overview of the design strategies, logistical solutions, and construction methodologies applied throughout the widening project.

International Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2024: pp. 1-20

Ali Zahmatkesh, Amir Baghban, Seyed Mojtaba Mosavi Nezhad, Mehran Ghorbanpor4

Abstract: In this paper, the effect of different arrangements of stiffeners for connecting two beams with different heights to a column is studied under cyclic loading. This load applies to the top of the column. The connection of the beams to the column is considered to be rigid, so that the moment in the beam creates a shear and bending effect in the connection web panel-zone. The support condition in modeling is such that horizontal and vertical movement is prevented at the bottom of the column, in other words, its support is hinge. After modeling half of the structure in ABAQUS software, the sample is verification. Samples with different arrangements of stiffeners are then analyzed and hysteresis loops representing the system's behavior against cyclic loads are drawn. From these rings, the state of resistance and stiffness of the system in each loading period can be observed. Any general or local instability in the members of the system manifests itself in can be observed at any time of loading and hysteresis loops, if any. In the end, it was concluded which kind of arrangement makes the transfer of stress, as well as the effect of the arrangement on the rate of increase stress concentration and the ability to withstand the amount of force.

International Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2024: pp. 21-34

Tamene Diribsa Hunde, Munyaneza Claude, Mohamoud Aflah

Abstract: Trail bridges are vital for improving rural connectivity and living standards. Their construction minimally impacts the environment and causes less disruption. These bridges are crucial for safe river crossing, reducing travel time, and aiding in education, healthcare, and market access. This research aimed to identify best practices by evaluate and compare the design and construction of trail bridges in Ethiopia and Rwanda. The study used data from focus group discussions, expert interviews, and on-site observations in both Rwanda and Ethiopia. Significant distinctions in N-type suspension bridges constrcution noted, particularly in the simplicity of the steel tower, its foundation connections, and main cable anchorage in Rwanda compared to Ethiopia. Ethiopia's bridges, however, were praised for bridge tower and suspenders easely adjustable, maintenable and local material use. The results from the expert questionnaires reveal a strong consensus on the importance of integrating bridge users or community input into the creation of design codes and standards to enhance bridge functionality and user-friendliness. The case study and field observation reveled that, the construction of trail bridges in Ethiopia is more costly than in Rwanda. In Conclusion, the research identified both deficiencies and strengths within the Ethiopian and Rwanda Trail Bridge constrcution practices. The study recommends updating the design manuals by integrating the most effective elements and best practices from each country.

International Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2024: pp. 35-62

Sideig Abdelrhman Dowi, Osama Mohammed Elmardi Suleiman Khayal, Osman Abdeen Osman, Yusra Ali Youssef

Abstract: With the growing concern about the greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues, the renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic cells are increasingly being recommended for electricity production. In Sudan, the usage of a solar energy as a power generation connected to grid is very weak, almost non-existent. In this paper, an off-Grid energy system has been designed by constructing a solar power station. Two selected sites A and B in Atbara bridge engineering administration complex are taken as a case study to design two individual solar PV system to solve the problem of power outages and ensure the self-sufficiency of the bridge engineering administration complex. Shams application has been used to obtain the solar cell's angle. The PV system program is used to determine the optimum angle and to calculate the number of cells and the requirements of the system design. Small model was carried out with a small percentage of total designed load. Two experiments were conducted to determine the optimum cell orientation and cell angle.

International Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2024: pp. 63-76