Citation

Suryawanshi C. Indian Highw. 1999; 27(12): 21-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the rehabilitation of a narrow and weak road bridge in India, built in 1890. The bridge is in the district of Vidarbha in Maharashtra, and is a stone masonry arch bridge. It was rehabilitated by inserting reinforced concrete cellular (RCC) box cells through vents, to provide a wider carriageway without disrupting the existing structure. The technique adopted proved to have advantages over conventional methods. The paper first outlines the bridge's history and the nature of the bridge, together with its topographical and hydraulic details. The bridge had to be repaired, because its original load sustaining capacity had become insufficient to support current traffic flows. The RCC box was designed on the lines of multi-cellular boxes for bridges. The paper describes the following stages and procedures that were included in the reconstruction works: (1) preparation of the concrete casting yard; (2) the equipment used (trolley and mechanical and hydraulic jacks); (3) the concreting, transportation, and placement of the RCC box; (4) the casting of parapets; and (5) the protection work. It also identifies some aspects that need careful attention, gives some cost figures, and presents several conclusions and recommendations.