TRAIL SUSPENSION BRIDGES (ENCE 366)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide students the theoretical and practical background required for planning, survey, design, execution and maintenance of trail bridges.
Understanding Trail Suspension Bridges is critical in regions with complex topographies. This course covers everything from desk study and cable geometry analysis to the design of both Short Span Trail Bridges (SSTB) and Long Span Trail Bridges (LSTB) using D-type (Suspended) and N-type (Suspension) structures in accordance with local authorities like the Department of Local Infrastructure (DoLI).
Detailed Syllabus
1.1 Historical background
1.2 Development of trail bridges
1.3 Classification of trail bridges
1.4 Types of trail bridges
1.5 Components of trail Bridges
1.6 Specification of materials: Wire rope; Reinforcement; Structural steel; Wire mesh netting; Bulldog grip; Thimble; Nuts and bolts
1.7 Planning procedures: Socio-economical assessments; Preliminary site investigations
2 Trail Bridge Survey (4 hours)2.1 Desk study
2.2 Preparation for survey
2.3 Site reconnaissance
2.4 Site selection
2.5 Preliminary design
2.6 Bridge axis survey
2.7 Bridge site survey
2.8 Geotechnical and geological assessment: Design parameters
2.9 Site photographs
3 Analysis and Design of Cable Structure (8 hours)3.1 Loads on trail bridges
3.2 Cable properties
3.3 Cable geometry
3.4 Sag calculation for D-type and N-type bridges
3.5 Design of main and hand rail cables for D-type bridges
3.6 Design of main cables for N-type bridges
3.7 Design of spanning cables
4 Design of Short Span Trail Bridges (SSTB) (5 hours)4.1 SSTB: D-type and N-type steel and construction drawing manuals
4.2 Determination of bridge span of SSTB D-type and N-type bridges
4.3 Selection of cable combination for D-type and N-type bridges
4.4 Selection of foundation block for D-type and N-type bridges
4.5 Selection of tower for N-type bridge
5 Long Span Trail Bridges (LSTB) (14 hours)5.1 LSTB: D-type and N-type steel and construction drawing manuals
5.2 Design of the trail bridge cable: Cable design for suspended bridges; Cable design for suspension bridges
5.3 Wind effect and bridge stability
5.4 Wind loads on bridges
5.5 Design of wind-guy and Wind-ties cables
5.6 Design of tower for suspension bridges
5.7 Design of suspenders for suspension bridges
5.8 Design of bridge foundations
5.9 Drawings, cost estimating and reports
6 Construction of Trail Bridges (7 Hours)6.1 Transportation and handling of bridge parts
6.2 Storage of bridge parts
6.3 Fabrication: Specification of materials, quality check and fabrication plant requirement
6.4 Galvanization: Introduction, galvanization process, quality check and specification for different bridge parts
6.5 Layout: SSTB D/N–type bridges, LSTB D/N-type bridges with/without wind guy cable
6.6 Earth works and civil works
6.7 Bridge erection: Tower erection; Cable hoisting (D-type and N-type bridges)
6.8 Fitting of bridge parts
6.9 Quality control and finishing works
7 Maintenance of Trail Bridges (3 hours)7.1 Importance of maintenance
7.2 Routine maintenance
7.3 Major maintenance
7.4 Survey and design of maintenance works
7.5 Rehabilitation of bridges
Tutorial (30 hours)
1. Calculation of hoisting and full load sag
2. Design of cable for D and N type bridges
3. Design of suspenders
4. Design of all types of foundation for D and N types bridges
Practical/Assignment (15 hours)
1. SSTB D-type bridge
2. SSTB N-type bridge
3. LSTB D-type bridge
4. LSTB N-type bridge
5. Visual presentation/demonstration/observation of trail suspension bridges
Final Exam
The questions will cover all the chapters in the syllabus. The evaluation scheme will be as indicated in the table below:
| Chapter | Hours | Marks distribution* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 6 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 3 | 8 | 12 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 5 | 14 | 16 |
| 6 | 7 | 10 |
| 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Total | 45 | 60 |
* There may be minor deviation in marks distribution.
References
1. Suspension Bridge Division, Department of Roads, Institute of Engineering. (2003). A course manual on trail bridges.
2. Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, Trail Bridge Section. (2003). Short span trail bridge standard: Technical handbook: How to build a short span trail suspended bridge (Vol. I and II).
3. Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, Trail Bridge Section. (2003). Short span trail bridge standard: Steel and construction drawings.
4. Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Roads, Trail Bridge Section. (2004). Long span trail bridge standard: Technical manual.
5. Swiss Centre for Development and Cooperation. (2003). Short span trail suspended bridge: Technical handbook.
6. Swiss Centre for Development and Cooperation. (1992). Long-span trail bridge standard: Technical manual.
Chapter-wise Notes
Based on the latest syllabus of IoE (III/II)
| SN | Chapter | View / Download |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | View / Download |
| 2 | Trail Bridge Survey | View / Download |
| 3 | Analysis and Design of Cable Structure | View / Download |
| 4 | Design of Short Span Trail Bridges (SSTB) | View / Download |
| 5 | Long Span Trail Bridges (LSTB) | View / Download |
| 6 | Construction of Trail Bridges | View / Download |
| 7 | Maintenance of Trail Bridges | View / Download |
Practical Manuals & Reports
Field guides and design assignments for Trail Suspension Bridges ENCE 366
| SN | Practical Name | View / Download |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SSTB D-type bridge Design Assignment | View / Download |
| 2 | SSTB N-type bridge Design Assignment | View / Download |
| 3 | LSTB D-type bridge Design Assignment | View / Download |
| 4 | LSTB N-type bridge Design Assignment | View / Download |
| 5 | Visual observation of trail suspension bridges Field Report | View / Download |
Miscellaneous Items & Tutorials
| SN | Item | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DoLIDAR Technical Handbook (Vol I & II) | Official standard manuals for designing short span trail bridges | Download |
| 2 | Past Year Questions | Collection of previous exam papers for Trail Suspension Bridges ENCE 366 | Download |
| 3 | Tutorial Solutions Book | Full step-by-step solutions for cable calculations and suspension bridge sag analysis | Download |
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