CHAPTER -1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL:

A truss bridge is a bridge whose load-bearing superstructure is composed of a

truss, a structure of connected elements usually forming triangular units. The
connected elements (typically straight) may be stressed from tension, compression,
or sometimes both in response to dynamic loads. Truss bridges are one of the
oldest types of modern bridges.
Truss bridges are one of the oldest types of modern bridges. Truss bridges are
among a variety of bridge designs that are being used for road traffic. Truss bridges
are made up of triangles that hold up the roadway and are set on two piers for
support. Truss bridges are very strong and are support heavy loads. The triangle
angle is used because they are rigid and are stable. Compression acts on the upper
horizontal members of the truss structure and in the piers that support the bridge.
Tension acts on the bottom horizontal members. The angular members share both
of the force.
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF PRESENT WORK:
Kota, Vakadu and Chittamuru mandal villages are situated on the right bank of
swarnamukhi channel and Vidyanagar , Chittedu and other villages are situated on
left bank of swarnamukhi channel. There is a transportation facility for the above
villages but it is too congested to vehicular traffic volume. Most of the early
bridges cannot support heavy loads. In addition to the above, it also solves the
problem of transportation of goods such to the industries. The commercial crops
produce and can easily transport from the right bank to left bank.

1.3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT:

Basic bridges are developed from natural bridges- Tree trunk fallen across a
stream, vines hanging over a river, or stones that make a stepping-stone path across
a shallow stream. These natural bridges were probably built upon by ancient bridge
builders. For example some built up the stepping stones, placed flat stone slabs or
logs on top of them, and connected the stones to make a low bridge. This type of
bridge is called Clapper Bridge. It is the one of the earliest constructions. This type
of bridges are constructing now a days too in many places. In general, though
bridge construction has changed greatly.
The ancient Romans refined bridge building with two important contributions.
Nearly all of their bridge designs are of arch type- a structure can support more
weight than flat type surface can. Also roman discovery of natural cement allowed
them to build strong, long standing bridges. Many of these ancient type roman
bridges are still standing today.
There were good bridge builders in Asia, too. Some early bridges used cantilever
design. The design enables the builder to make simple, long span bridges across
fairly wide rivers. One bridge in china, built about 1300 years ago, is the great
stone bridge. Its graceful arch shape is not the same type of arch shape used by the
Romans. Instead, this bridge is quote now, and the arch is very shallow.
About 200 years ago, the first cast-iron bridge was built. This was the Iron Bridge
at Coal brook dale in England. Before that time, bridges were made of stone, brick,
clay, or timber. Eventually, wrought iron was used instead of cast iron. Much later,
steel was used. Many new bridges were created and tested during this time.
Other important developments came with the truss bridge and suspension bridge
designs. The truss is an old design, but it was improved when scientists and
engineers knew enough about science and mathematics to work out the mechanics
of the design. Covered bridges are usually built on the truss design. Truss bridges
were improves even more when metal used. The suspension bridge was another
basic design that was changed by the use of metal. The Brooklyn Bridge is one
famous suspension bridge built during that time. It uses steel wires for the
suspension cables.
About a hundred years ago, engineers began using concrete for bridges. A new
method called “prestressing” helps prevent concrete from cracking after a structure
is built. Today, most new bridges are made of prestressed concrete and steel.
 Fig 1.3.1 Ancient Bridge
1.4 CLASSIFICATION OF BRIDGES:
Bridges may be classified in many ways; A few types were presented which
were presented which are relevant to this project
1.4.1 According to type of truss used:
1. Pratt truss bridge
2. Howe truss bridge
3. Warren truss bridge
4. K- truss bridge
5. Baltimore truss bridge
6. Baily truss bridge
1.4.1.1 Pratt bridge truss bridge:
It includes vertical members and diagonals that slope down towards the
center.

Fig 1.4.7.1 Pratt truss bridge

1.4.7.2 Howe truss bridge:
Howe trusses are essentially the opposite of Pratt trusses in terms of
geometry. In fact, looking at a Pratt truss upside-down will visualize a Howe truss
of sorts. The entire structure is still relatively the same, but the diagonal braces are
now occupying the opposite or the unoccupied joints. This switch in position of the
diagonal members has a very important effect structurally.

Fig 1.4.7.2 Howe truss bridge

1.4.7.3 Warren truss bridge:
The Warren Truss is another very popular truss structure system and is
easily identified by its construction from equilateral triangles. One of the main
advantages of a Warren Truss is its ability to spread the load evenly across a
number of different members; this is however generally for cases when the
structure is undergoing a spanned load (a distributed load).

Fig 1.4.7.3 Warren truss bridge

1.4.7.4 K-truss bridge:
The K Truss is a slightly more complicated version of the Pratt Truss. Its main
difference is that the vertical members have become shortened - improving its
resistance against buckling.

Fig 1.4.7.4 K- truss Bridge

1.4.7.5 Baltimore truss bridge:
Baltimore truss is modified version of Pratt truss. The difference is the
additional diagonal provided at lower part of truss.

Fig 1.4.7.5 Baltimore truss Bridge

1.4.7.6 Bailey truss bridge:
A Bailey bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge

Fig 1.4.7.6 Bailey truss bridge