Introduction • According to IRC SP 82-2008, Submersible bridges is a bridge designed to be overtopped during floods. • As far as possible submersible bridges shall be avoided on, but due to cost constraints it is provided on lesser important roads. • Normally MDR, ODR & VR may have a submersible bridge. Submersible bridges shall be avoided if considered MDR or ODR is of strategic importance. Design Considerations • Geography of Area – if spread of floodwater is on vast area, long approaches will be required for High level bridge. In such case, Submersible bridge shall be a prudent choice. • Vertical geometry of Road – Vertical geometry of the road many times dictate the Road top level (RTL) of bridge, which in turn dictates the selection of type of bridge. • Natural banks at different levels – when Natural banks are at different level RTL is fixed matching lower bank level. This is to cause minimum obstruction to flow and to avoid the damages to the approaches in the bank. Besides these, As per IRC SP 82 – 2008, Permissible interruptions are as –
Category of Road Max No. of Permissible Duration of Interruptions in
Interruption hours at a time SH, MDR, Roads Between 2-6 hrs. linking imp towns, <2 hrs. Not to be 6 industrial estates. considered >6 hrs. Not acceptable ODR, Village Between 2-6 hrs. Roads <2 hrs. Not to be 6 considered >6 hrs. Not acceptable Hydraulic Design • Discharge through submersible bridges – Bridges with 25 to 30% of Inglis discharge are found to be quite efficient. Hence flood level at which the discharge is 30% of Inglis discharge decides level of bridge. • Scour depth consideration – The scour depth should be worked out for HFL corresponding to Inglis floods or Modified Inglis floods applicable to that area. It should also be worked out for critical condition like flood at bridge top. • Obstruction to flow of water – This could be limited to 20% at designed flood level (with 30% Inglis discharge). However, this obstruction at HFL should also be restricted to 20% . It should be checked that afflux to this obstruction does not cause submergence in nearby habitats/agricultural land, etc. • Hydraullic forces – The stresses in the structure need to be checked for at least 3 flood levels I. Flood at OFL, a condition that occurs frequently. II. Flood at RTL, a conditon that gives maximum obstruction to flood water III. Flood at HFL. In case bridge is in immediate downstream of dam, extra discharge through gates in addition to overflow through weir/spillway. Span arrangement • Height of submersible bridge is about 5 to 8m from the bed level. It is, therefore, desirable to have spans up to 10m. • Such span generally calls for solid slab superstructures. These imparts stability to bridge during Generally Height of Submersible bridge from the floods. • Longer spans also can be provided, but it calls for girder and slab type of arrangement. Which is not desirable as they cause more obstruction to flow. Foundation for Submersible bridges
• Foundations resting on rock would be
most preferred situations. This foundation being non scouring causes no problems to stabilit, durability and maintenance. • In case of weak soil and less scour depth, raft foundation can be provided. One more advantage of raft foundation is it brings smore stability to structure. Stability against ovoverturning • Stability against overtuning is critical in case of submersible bridges. • If vents are not provided, girder and slab type structure should be checked woth additional forces due to entrapped air. • Box type superstructure shall be checked for condition that box is not filled with water, this may case may arise when rise in water level is sudden due to flash floods & also when vents are choked. • Single lane submersible bridge with girder & slab or box superstructure should be avoided. Stoppers on Downstream Side • Downstream stoppers are provided on Pier cap. • During floods, Structure may slide because of buoyancy and current forces. To avoid this stoppers on downstream are provided. Kerbs and railings • In case of submersible bridges kerbs should be such that it offers least resistance to flow of water. • The height of kerb is limited to minimum required (say 250 mm). Discountinous kerbs are desired. • Railings and should collapsible or removable type. Otherwise flow will be obstructed and will generate the forces for which bridge is not designed. Outflanking of Approaches • During floods, along with bridge approaches get submerged and are subjected to erosion. Such erosion cuts the approaches, disrupts traffic and dislodge the returns. • To avoid this full width bituminous treatment should be provided to approaches. • Side slopes of approaches in banking shall be stone pitched in 40-60 kg stones. Pitching stones shall be adequately secured at toe. Better Practices An ideal submersible bridge should necessarily have following characteristics: i. Open foundations keyed into rock. ii. Firm and defined banks. iii. Both banks at almost same level. iv. Straight nallah / river. v. O.F.L. 1.0 m below bank level. vi. Height of bridge above bed level up to 6m. vii. Spans up to 10m. viii. Solid slab superstructure.
