Steel Structures This type of bridge consists of two plate girders.

The plate girders receive the load

through the cross-beams. The beams span right angles to the main plate girders.
The beams are provided at some suitable spacing and are connected to the girders
with framed connection.
The stringers are provided parallel to the main girders and are supported and
framed into cross-beams. These carry sleepers.

Horizontal bracing system is provided to transmit the lateral forces to the bearings.
This is provided at the level of lower flange.

The triangular gusset plates are provided at the top flange. These are connected
with inner sides of cross-beams.

12.4 DESIGN OF DECK TYPE REVETED PLATE

GIRDER BRIDGES
The Given Data
Span of the bridge, spacing of girders.

Step 1: Computation of loads BM and SF

Assume the self weight of girder, main rails, guard rails, sleepers, fastenings
as 25 kN/m.

Take EUDL for BM and EUDL for SF from' steel bridge code tables.

Calculate the value of CDA.

WL2
Calculate the max. BM, M=--

V= WL
Calculate the max. SF, 2

Step 2: Design of web plate

Calculate the economical depth of web plate,

d=4.s-3
'\JIcM
r;;;
Here M = maximum bending moment, N-mm
2
CJbe= allowable bending stream in compression, N/mm

= 0.66 x 250 = 165 N/mm2

Thickness of web plate
Allowable shear stress = 0.4 !y = 0.4 x 250

tva = 100 N/mrri2

thickness, t = �
tva ·

where, V = shear force (N)

d � depth of web plate (mm)
tva = allowable
shear stress' (N/mm )
2

The minimum thickness should be 6 mm. Generally, a thickness of lO mm,

12 mm or 16 mm is preferred for bridges.
112
 Step 3: Design of flange elements

Net flange area required = Md

. abc. e

where, M = maximum moment (N-mm)

crbc = 165 N/mm2

de = effective depth of plate plate girder (mm)

= C to c distance of flange elements (may be taken as equal to d)

Gross area of flange required
= 1.25 x Net area of flange required
Gross area of flange angles required

=ix Gross area of flange required. Try for 2 angles of equal sides.
Gross area of flange plate

=jx Gross area of flange required.

Minimum number of two plates is required.

Step 4: Check for flexural stresses Calculate
the Gross area of flange Calculate the
deductions for rivet holes Calculate the
Net area of flange

:. Net area of flange = (Gross area of flange - deductions for rivet holes)
Calculate the Gross Moment of Inertia of section about N.A.
Calculate the actual bending stress in

C ompress i. on, crbc, cal=

M
Ix Ymax
where, M = maximum bending moment (N-mm)
I= moment of inertia (mm")
Ymax = distance of the extreme

Compression fibre from N.A (mm) .f

Calculate the actual bending stress in tension.

Gross area of flange
a bt, cal -- cr be, cal x --------
Net area of flange-
i
Step 5: Rivet connections
a) Flange angle to web
Calculate the strength of rivets in

i) double shear = 2 x : cf' 'tvf

ii) bearing = d t crpf

where, d = gross diameter (mm)
113
 Steel Structures t = min thick of element to be connected (mm)
2
'tvf= allowable shear stress in fastenings (100 N/mm )
2
crpf= allowable bearing stress in fastenings (300 N/mm )

Calculate the Rivet value (R), which is the least value of the above two.
Calculate the pitch of rivets, p
Rd ( Gross area of flange J
= Vx Gross area of flange - web component area
where, V = max. SF (N)
d = depth (mm)
Max. allowable pitch is 12t or 200 mm, whichever is less
b) Flange angles to flange plate
Calculate the strength of rivets in

i) Single shear = i d
2
"«
ii) Bearing = dt crpf
Calculate the rivet value (R)
Calculate the pitch of rivets, p
Rd (Gross area of flange)
=-x
V (Gross area of flange plates)
Maximum allowable pitch is 12t or 200 mm, whichever is less.

Step 6: Curtailment of flange plates

Calculate the theoretical length of the plate to be curtailed.

I· Area of the plates be curtailed

x=[X
Gross area of flange
Calculate the bending stress in tension in the plate to be curtailed

where, M1 = BM at TPC (N-mm)

/1 = MI of the section at TPC) (mm")

y1 max= distance of centroidal axis of the curtailed plate from N.A. (mm).

Calculate the force in the plate.

F = (bending stress x area of plate). N
Calculate the strength of rivets in single shear and bearing.
Calculate the rivet value (R)

Calculate the number of rivets, n = ;.

Calculate the minimum pitch, p = 2.5 x nominal dia. providing rivets in two
rows.

114
 Calculate the extra length of plate required for connecting rivets = � · p
-
Bridg�

Calculate the actual length of the plate to be curtailed = (theoretical length +

n. p).
Step 7: Design of bearing stiffeners
These are provided at the supports and under concentrated loads.
Calculate the allowable bearing stress, crP
= 0.751;, = 0.75 x 250= 187.5 N/mm2
Calculate the bearing area required

= Reaction or concentrated load (mm2)

(JP

Try 4 equal angle sections such that the area provided is more than the
bearing area required.
Calculate the length of the bearing stiffener
= [ d- 2 x thickness of web plates] (mm) .
Calculate the effective length of the bearing stiffener = 0.7 x Actual length of
the bearing stiffener.
In calculating, Gross area and moment of inertia, the length 20 times the
thickness of web is effective in bearing.
Calculate the Gross area of the stiffener
Calculate the Gross M.I. about the centre line of web.
Calculate minimum radius of gyration

= - I Moment oflnertia
-\/ Gross area

Calculate the slenderness ratio = RE!�ectiv; lengt_h

a ms o gyrating
Calculate the value of Allowable Compressive stream (craJ from Table 5.1 of
IS: 800 - 1984.
Calculate the load carrying capacity
= crac x Gross area.
It should be greater then the reaction or the concentrated load.
Design of riveted connection
Calculate the strength of rivets in double shear and bearing.
Calculate the Rivet value (R)
Calculate the number of rivets required,
Reaction or Concentrated load
n=
R
Provide the rivets in two rows.
Step 8: Necessity of intermediate stiffener
Calculate d, di, d-,
 �

Steel Strudures
't
v
-- .
va,ca/ - dt

i) Calculate
d1 d1
;
./J: and dr �
/
85 1344 816
If the thickness of web is less than any one of the above values, provide
vertical stiffeners. If the thickness of web is more, no intermediate
stiffeners are required.
C clear panel (smallest) d2 d d2 �
ii) a 1 cu 1 ate 180 ' 200 an 3200

If the thickness of web is less than any one of the above values a
. horizontal stiffener at a distance of 2/5. The distance of compression
flange to NA.

iii)
Smallest clean panel d2 d2 ft;
Calculate 180 , 250 and 4000

If the thickness of web is less than any one of the above values, a
horizontal stiffener is provided at N.A .
. '

Step 9: Design of vertical stiffener

Panel dimension (C)
Minimum= 180 tor 0.33d
Maximum = 270 t or l .50d.

Using Table 6.6 (IS: 800), for 7 and 'tva,cal, find the value of C

:. Choose the values of C.

Calculate the moment of inertia required
3 3
I= 1.5 x d : t
c
where, C = panel dimension
t = minimum thickness of web required, can be computed as follows:
d
Calculate dc , t
From Table 6.6 (IS 800) calculate 'tva .

Calculate t = -
v
'tva

d2
t » 400
d2 ffv
> 6400
Generally 2 angle sections are used.
Calculate the Mol about the centre line of the web.
It should be greater than the Mol required
Design of rivets
Calculate the strength of rivets in double shear and bearing.
 Calculate the rivet value (R) Bridges

2
125t
Calculate the shear force, S = -h- N/mm

t = web thickness
h = outstand

Calculate the pitch =�

Maximum allowed pitch of 32 t or 300 mm, whichever is less.

Step 10: Design of horizontal stiffener at i th of the distance to NA from comp.

flange
Calculate the value of freq = 4 Ct3. Generally one pair 2 of equal angle
section is preferred. Calculate the Mol of the stiffener about the centre line of
the web.
Connections
Calculate the strength of rivets in double shearing and bearing
Calculate the rivet value (R)

125
Calculate the shear flow (S) =-h-N/mm
r
Calculate the pitch = �

Maximum allowable pitch is 32 t or 300 mm whichever in less.

Step 11: Design of horizontal stiffener at NA
Calculate the value of I req = dz t3
Generally one pair of equal angle section is preferred.
Calculate the Mol of the stiffener about the centre line of the web.

Connection: p = � < 32 t
<200mm.

12.4.1 Design Problem

Design a riveted plate girder bridges for BG Main line:
Span of bridge = 24 m.
Step 1: Computation of loads, BM and SF
Assume self wt = 25 kN/m,
Total live load for BM, EUDL ::: 2034 kN.
Total live load for SF, EUDl = 2034 kN.
CDA = 0.417
Dead load = 25 x 24 = 600 kN,
Total load for BM = 600 + 1.417 x 2034 = 3482.2 kN
Total load for SF = 600 + 1.417 x 2231 = 3761.3 kN. 117
Steel Structures 3482.2 ·
Total load per track, for BM = 2
= 17 41. l kN.

37 3
Total load per track, for SF = �1. = 1880.65 kN.

Max. BM ' M = Wl = l74Ll x 24 = 5223.3 kN-m.

8 8
1880 65
Max. SF, V= W = · = 940.32 kN.
2 2
Step 2: Design of web plate
M = 5223.3 kN-m

crbc= 165 N/mm2

Economical depth,

d= s '\/ 5223 i�; � 06

= 1581.69 mm
Adopt d = 1600 mm.
2
'tva = 100 N/mm

V = 940.32 kN.

Thickness of web plate, t = -

V
'tva

3
940.32 x 10
= 1600 x 100 = 5·9 mm.

Adopt 12 mm thick web plate of 1600 mm depth

Step 3: Design of flange
. M
Net flange area required == -•
CJbc. d

= 5223.3 x 106 = 19785 22 2

165 x 1600 · mm
Gross area of flange reqd. = l.25 x 19785.2 = 24731.5 mm
2

24731.5 2
Gross area of flange angles reqd. =
3
= 8243.8 mm
8243.8 2
Gross area of one flange angle= = 4121.9 m m
2
Let us adopt 2ISA 200 200, 15 mm.

(A= 5780 mm
2
, lxx == 2197.7 x 104 m m4
Cxx = 54.9 mm)
2
Gross area of flange plate =tx2473l.5 = 16487.6 mm

16487.6 2
Gross area of one flange plate = = 8243.8 m m
2
Adopt 2 plates of 500 x 20 mm. as flange plates
 Step 4: Check for flexure stresses Bridges'

Using 22 mm diameter power driven shop rivets.

Gross area of flange = 2 x 5780 + 2 x (500 x 20) + 200 x 12 = 33960 mm2

Deductions for rivet holes = 2 x (23.5) x (40 + 15)
+ 23.5 (2 x 15 + 12) = 3572 mm2
Net area of flange = 33960 - 3572
2
= 30418 mm

12 6 4
Moment of Inertia I= \� 0d +4[ 2197.7x l0 x5780(800-54.9)2]

+2[
500
�
403
+ 500 x 40 x (800 + 20)2 1
10 2
= 4.39 x l 0 rnrn r----=- 5 0 O -----j ..i...
10
_ 1600 + 2 x 40 _ 1680 _ 840 1----tt------t"i--------i-;:-o

.. 1
Yma,c - 2 - 2 - mm.

\600

(Jbc, cal=
M
TX Yma,c
5223 6
= · x Hfi x 840 = 99.95 N/mm2
10
4.39 x 10

.,
·:' I
(J
bi, cal
=<J
be, cal

= 99.95 x
x
Gross area of flange
Net area of flange

33960
30418
= 111.6 N/mm
2
...----,-,---.....---, ._!0

----c::.-------.:::;;,--- '
l >.O

< 165 N/mm2 (Safe) Figure 12.3

Stap 5: Curtailment of flange plates

Theoretical length of curtailed plate,

. . f Area of plate to be curtailed

x=ZV Gross area of flange

= 24 ...'Vlsoox20
33960
= 13.02 m
17 4 {j,02 WI
w= 24L l = 72 . 55 kN/ m

. 1741.1
Reacnon =
2
= 870.55 kN. Figure 12.4

M1 = 870.SSx 5.49-(72.SSx 5.49) ( 5 i 9

)

= 3685.99 kNm
119
 1
1
= 12 x 1600"1 +4 [ 2197.7x lurA +5780(800-54.9) 2]
12

+ 2 [ SOO ; io' + soo« 20x (800 + 10)2

1
J
= 3.01 x 10 10
mm •
4

20
y = 800 + 20 + -2
= 830 mm
M1
Bending stress =Txy
I
6
= 3685.99x 10 10
x 830 = 101.64 N/mm2
3.01 x 10
Force in the plate = Bending stress x area
= 101.64 x (500 x 20) = 1016.4 kN.
Strength of rivets in
. . . n 2 100
a) Single shear= (23.5) x = 43.37 kN.
4 1000

b) Bearing= 23.5 x 20 x ;: = 141 kN.

:. Rivet value, R = 43.37 kN.

. d 1016.4
.f ·
N o. o rivets require = .
43 37
= 234
. = 24 .

Adopting a pitch of 60 mm and two rows of rivets

4
Extra length required for rivets =; x 60 = 720 mm = 0.72 m.

:. Actual length .of the plate to be curtailed

= 13.02 + 2 x 0.72 = 14.46 m.
Step 6: Riveted connections
a) Flange angles to web
Strength of rivets in
i) double shear = 2 x 43.37 = 86.74 kN.
ii) 'bearing = 23.5 x 12 x t!o = 84.6 kN.

Rivet value, R = 84.6 kN.

V = 940.32 kN.
. Rd ( Gross area of flange )
Pitch, P = V x Gross area of flange.web component
84.6 x 1600 ( 33960 )
= 940.32 X 33960-200X 12
= 154.9 mm.
Maximum allowable spacing = 12 t or 200 mm.
= 12 x 12 or 200' mm= 144 mm.
120
 Adopt 22 mm diameter power driven shop rivets at 140 mm c/c Bridges

b) Flange angles with flange plate

Strength of rivets in
i) single shear = 43.37 kN.

ii) bearing = 23.5 x 15 x :iooo = 105.75 kN.

Rivet value, R = 43.37 kN.
V = 940.32 kN.
Rd Gross area of flange
Pitch,
p = V x Gross area of flange plates
43.37 x 1600 33960
= 940.32 x (500 x 20)
=250.6mm.
Maximum allowable spacing = 12 tor 200 mm
= 12x 15 or 200 mm= 180 mm.
Adopt 22 mm dia. P.D.S rivets @ 180 mm c/c in a staggered manner.
Step 7: Design of bearing stiffener
V=940.32kN
Up= 187.5 N/mm2
3
. g area requi.re d
Bearm = Up=
V 940.32 _x 10 = 5015 . 04 mm 2
187 5
Adopt 4ISA 9090, 10 mm.
2
(A= 1703 mm , I= 126.7 x 104 mm", Cxx = 25.9 mm)
Length of the bearing stiffener= 1600-2 x 1.5 = 1570 mm.
Effective length = 0.7 x 1570 = 1099 mm .

.!SA q,;i,o, Io mm
.i. web p I a.le
1!.1.-.�������.....-1�----.
!,J..i...;,.��������...:.._�
I§

\'<:z.,�jss:'S::s•l •••• ··�-. I

l<'igure 12.S: Bearing Milli,ucr

Gross area

A = 4 x 1703 + 330 x 12 = 10772 mm"

M.o.l. about its centre line
=4[ !26.7x 104 + J 703 [ 1 { + 15 + 2"·,' l
..
,,
3
+ 330x 12 _-201 ,.,£,
. x 1 u- mm
4
12

121
Steel Structures
Radius of gyration,

r= {.[= -'12oi�;7�06 =43.2 mm.

Slenderness ratio,
1099
').. = 1. = = 25.44
r 43.2
From Table 5.1 of IS: 800-1984,
2
CJae = 146.5N/mm

P = CJ0e. A= 146.5 X 10772 N

= 1578 N > V (Safe)
Connections
Rivet value, R = 70.5 kN.

N o. of n.vets, n = RV = 940_.32 = 13 . 33
70 50
Provide 14 rivets in two rows @ 220 mm c/c
Step 8: Necessity of intermediate stiffeners
t = 12 mm. (thickness of webs)
d1 = 1600- 2 x 15 = 1570 mm.
V 940.32 x 103 2
= dt =
'Cva.cal = 49 N/mm
1600 X 12
d1 1570
i) =
85 85
= 18.47 mm

d1 --JI;= 1570\/250
1344 1344
= 18 47
· mm.

d1 � 1570../49
816 = 816 = 13.47 mm.
:. Vertical intermediate stiffeners are required.
di 1570
ii) 200 = 200 = 7 .85 mm.

:. No horizontal stiffeners are required.

Stap 9: Design of vertical stiffeners
Panel dimension (c)
Minimum value 0.33 d = 0.33 x 1600 = 528 mm.

1 1 0
= �� = 133.33
Maximum value: l.5d = 1.50 x 1600

122
From Table 6.6, C = l .5d = 2400 mm. Bridges

Adopt 1600 mm panels.

I= 1.5 cf
c
t d= l600mm
C= 166 mm
t is the greater of
d2 1570
i) 400 = 400 = 3·9 mm.

d2 ..Ji; _
1570 \/250 _
ii) 6400 - 6400 - 3·88 mm.
3
1
11) v 940.32 x lO = 5 88
d'tva - 1600x 100 · mm.

t = 5.88 mm.

l6oo3 x 5.883
!required = 1.5 X "2
l60lJ
4 4
= 48.8 x 10 mm
Let us try 2ISA 9090, 10 mm.
Moment of Inertia about the centre line
2
1
= 2 [ 126.7 x Hf'+ 1703( { + 15 + 25.9) ]

= 1002.6 x 104 mm4

> !required·

---1600"'"'�
Egure 12.6

Design of rivets
Using 22 mm dia P.D.S rivets.
Rivet values R = 70.5 kN.
. 125 t2
Shear flow, S = -h-

= 125 x 122
90
= 200 NI mm.
3
R 70.5 x 10
Pitch p =S =
200
- 352.5 mm.

123
Steel Structures Max. allowable pitch, p = 32 t or 300 mm
= 32 x 12 or 300 = 384 or 300 = 300 mm.
Adopt 22 mm dia. P.D.S. rivets @ 300 mm etc

12.4.2 Design of Welded Plate Girder Bridge

For more details refer Unit 10.
Step 1: Computation of loads, BM and SF

Assume the self wt. of girder and track as 25 kN/m

Take EUDL for BM and EUDL for SF from tables of steel bridges.
Calculate the value of CDA.
WL
Calcutta the max. BM, M = --

Calculate the max. SF, V =

w
2
Step 2: Design of web plate
Calculate the economical depth

d=5....3/M
-\J a:
where, M = max. BM (N-mm)
crb = 165 (Nimm)
2
Calculate 't,,a = 0.4 fy =100 N/m m

Calculate the thickness, t = -

V
• 'tva ·

Adopt 12 mm, 16 mm/20 mm thickness.

Step 3: Design of flange plate

Flange area required, A 1= Md

(jb-

Flange width, B = fo to �
Thickness = f
A

Step 4: Check for flexure

Calculate Gross area (A), M.o.l (Ixx and I yy)

Calculate ryy=
-�
·\J A
Calculate elastic critical stress lfcb)
From Table 6.2 of IS:800, find permissible bending stress (crbc)

Calculate bending stress,

124