Steel Arches
Steel Arches
Steel Arches
Section 8
Inspection and
Evaluation of
Common Steel
Superstructures
..................................................................................................................................................
8.8
Introduction............................................................................... 8.8.1
8.8.2
8.8.3
8.8.4
8.8.5
8.8.6
8.8-ii
Arches are a unique form of bridge in that they look like a half circle or ellipse,
turned upside down. Arch bridges have been built since Roman times, but steel
arch bridges have only been constructed since the late 1800s. Arch bridges
generally need strong foundations to resist the large concentrated diagonal loads.
Arches are divided into three types: deck, through, and tied (see Figures 8.8.1,
8.8.2, and 8.8.3).
Figure 8.8.1
Figure 8.8.2
Figure 8.8.3
8.8.2
Deck Arch Design
Characteristics
General
Arches are considered to be simple span because of the basic arch function, even
though many bridges of this type consist of multiple arches. The arch reactions,
with their massive horizontal thrusts, are diagonally oriented and transmitted to the
foundation.
Like its concrete counterpart, the steel open spandrel arch is designed to resist a
load combination of axial compression and bending moment. The open spandrel
steel arch is considered a deck arch since the roadway is above the arches (see
Figure 8.8.4). The area between the arches and the roadway is called the spandrel.
Open spandrel steel arches receive traffic loads through spandrel bents that support
a deck and floor system. Steel deck arches can be used in very long spans,
measuring up to 518 m (1700 ft).
8.8.2
Figure 8.8.4
Deck Arch
The arch members are called ribs and can be fabricated into I-girders, boxes, or
truss shapes. The arches are classified as either solid ribbed, braced ribbed, or
spandrel braced (see Figures 8.8.5 and 8.8.6). The members are fabricated using
riveted, bolted, or welded techniques. Most steel deck arches have two arch rib
members, although some structures have three or more ribs (see figure 8.8.7).
Figure 8.8.5
8.8.3
Figure 8.8.6
Figure 8.8.7
An arch with a pin at each end of the arch is called a two-hinged arch (see Figure
8.8.8). If there is also a pin at the crown, or top, of the arch, it is a three-hinged
8.8.4
arch. One-hinged and fixed arches may exist, although these are very rare.
Foundation conditions, in part, dictate the requirements for hinges. Three-hinged
arches, for example, are not significantly affected by small foundation movements.
Figure 8.8.8
8.8.5
The primary members of a deck arch bridge consist of the arches or ribs, spandrel
columns or bents, spandrel girders and the floor system. The floor system consists
of floorbeams and stringers (if present) (see Figure 8.8.9).
The secondary members of a deck arch bridge consist of the sway bracing and the
upper lateral and lower lateral bracing of the arch or floor system (see Figure
8.8.10).
Primary Members
A Spandrel girders
B Stringers
C Floorbeam or spandrel bent cap
D Spandrel columns
E Arch rib
Figure 8.8.9
Secondary Members
A Sway bracing
B Lower lateral bracing
Load Transfer
Traffic loads are supported by a deck. The load from the deck is transmitted to the
stringers (if present) and then the floorbeams. The stringer and floorbeams resist
the traffic load in bending and shear. The load is transferred to the spandrel bents
and spandrel columns, which are in compression or bending. The arch supports
the spandrel column and transfers the compressive load to the ground at the
supports.
Fracture Critical
Members
The deck arch bridge has two or more main members. However, the arch is not a
tension member and is therefore not considered fracture critical. Some members
of the floor system and spandrel bent may be considered fracture critical (see
Topic 8.3)
8.8.7
8.8.3
Through Arch
Design
Characteristics
General
Arch bridges are considered simple spans because of the basic arch function, even
though many bridges of this type consist of multiple arches. Through arches are
typically two or three hinged. The arch reactions, with their massive horizontal
thrusts, are diagonally oriented and transmitted to the foundations.
The steel through arch is constructed with the crown of the arch above the
roadway and the arch foundations below the roadway (see Figure 8.8.11). The
deck is hung from the arch by wire rope cables or eyebars.
8.8.8
The primary members of a through arch bridge consist of arch ribs (consisting of
top and bottom rib chords and rib chord bracing), rib chord bracing, hangers and
floor system including floorbeams and stringers (if present) (see Figure 8.8.12).
The secondary members of a through arch bridge consist of sway bracing, lateral
bracing (top and bottom rib chords and floor system) (see Figure 8.8.13).
B
C
Primary Members
A Top and bottom rib chords
B - Rib chord bracing
C Hangers
Floor system not visible
Secondary Members
A Lateral bracing (top and
bottom rib chords)
B Sway bracing
Lateral bracing in floor system not
shown
Load Transfer
Traffic loads are supported by a deck. The load from the deck is transmitted to the
stringers (if present) and then the floorbeams. The stringer and floorbeams resist
the load in bending and shear. The load is transferred to the hangers, which are in
tension. The arch supports the hangers and transfers the compressive load to the
ground at the supports.
Fracture Critical
Members
The through arch is the main load-carrying member. Since there are typically only
two arch ribs, the structure is nonredundant. However, the bridge is not classified
as fracture critical because the arches are not tension members. The hangers may
be fracture critical, depending on the results of a detailed structural analysis. Some
members of the floor system may be fracture critical (see Topic 8.3).
8.8.10
8.8.4
Tied Arch Design
Characteristics
General
The tied arch is a variation of the through arch with one significant difference. In
a through arch, the horizontal thrust of the arch reactions is transferred to large
rock, masonry, or concrete foundations. A tied arch transfers the horizontal
reactions through a horizontal tie which connects the ends of the arch together, like
the string on an archers bow (see Figure 8.8.14). The tie is a tension member. If
the string of a bow is cut, the bow will spring open. Similarly, if the arch tie fails,
the arch will lose its compression and will collapse.
Design plans are generally needed to differentiate between through arches and tied
arches. Another guide in correctly labeling through and tied arches is by
examining the piers. Since tied arch bridges redistribute the horizontal loads to the
tie girders, the piers for tie arch bridges are smaller than the piers for through arch
bridges.
8.8.11
The primary members of a tied arch bridge consist of arch ribs, tie members, rib
bracing truss (if present), hangers, and floor system including floorbeams and
stringers (if present) (see Figure 8.8.15).
The secondary members of a tied arch bridge consist of sway bracing, lateral
bracing (arch rib, top chord and floor system) (see Figure 8.8.16).
A
Primary Members
A Arch ribs
B Hangers
C Tie members
D Floor system
Rib bracing truss not present.
A
B
Secondary Members
A Lateral bracing (top)
B Sway bracing
C Portal bracing
Lateral bracing in the
floor system not shown
Load Transfer
Traffic loads are supported by a deck. The load from the deck is transmitted to the
stringers (if present) and then the floorbeams. The stringer and floorbeams resist
the load in bending and shear. The load is transferred to the hangers, which are in
tension. The arch supports the hangers and transfers the compressive load to the
tie girder and the supports.
Fracture Critical
Members
With only two load paths, arches are considered non-redundant structures. The
arches are not fracture critical since they are subjected to axial compression. The
tie girders, on the other hand, are axial tension members and are considered
fracture critical.
8.8.5
Overview of
Common Defects
Paint failures
Corrosion
Fatigue cracking
Collision damage
Overloads
Heat damage
See Topic 2.3 for a detailed presentation of the properties of steel, types and
causes of steel deterioration, and the examination of steel. Refer to Topic 8.1 for
Fatigue and Fracture in Steel Bridges.
8.8.6
Inspection
Procedures and
Locations
Procedures
Visual
The inspection of steel bridge members for defects is primarily a visual activity.
Most defects in steel bridges are first detected by visual inspection. In order for
this to occur, a hands-on inspection, or inspection where the inspector is close
enough to touch the area being inspected, is required. More exact visual
observations can also be employed using a magnifying unit after cleaning the paint
from the suspect area.
Physical
Removal of paint can be done using a wire brush, grinding, or sand blasting,
depending on the size and location of the suspected defect. The use of degreasing
spray before and after removal of the paint may help in revealing the defect.
When section loss occurs, use a wire brush, grinder or hammer to remove loose or
flaked steel. After the flaked steel is removed, measure the remaining section and
compare it to a similar section with no section loss.
8.8.13
The usual and most reliable sign of fatigue cracks is the oxide or rust stains that
develop after the paint film has cracked. Experience has shown that cracks have
generally propagated to a depth between one-fourth and one-half the plate
thickness before the paint film is broken, permitting the oxide to form. This
occurs because the paint is more flexible than the underlying steel.
Smaller cracks are not likely to be detected visually unless the paint, mill scale,
and dirt are removed by carefully cleaning the suspect area. If the confirmation of
a possible crack is to be conducted by another person, it is advisable not to disturb
the suspected crack area so that re-examination of the actual conditions can be
made.
Once the presence of a crack has been verified, the inspector should examine all
other similar locations and details.
Advanced Inspection Techniques
Several advanced techniques are available for steel inspection. Nondestructive
methods, described in Topic 13.3.2, include:
Computer programs
Computer tomography
Corrosion sensors
Smart paint 1
Smart paint 2
Dye penetrant
Magnetic particle
Radiographic testing
Robotic inspection
Ultrasonic testing
Eddy current
Chemical analysis
8.8.14
Locations
Bearing Area
Examine the web areas over the supports for cracks, section loss and buckling. If
bearing stiffeners, jacking stiffeners and diaphragms are present at the supports
inspect them for cracks, section loss and buckling also.
Examine the bearings on each of the supports for corrosion. Check the alignment
of each bearing and note any movement. Report any build up of debris
surrounding the bearings that may limit the bearing from functioning properly.
Check for any bearings that are frozen due to heavy corrosion. (see Topic 9.1).
Arch Members
Inspect the alignment of the arch and look for signs of buckling and crippling in
the arch ribs. Check for general corrosion and deterioration Examine any pins for
corrosion and wear. Check the arch rib splice plates and the connections for
hangers or spandrel bents.
Inspect steel arch girder type bridges as described in Topic 8.2. Inspect steel arch
box girder type bridges as described in Topic 8.5. Inspect steel braced ribbed arch
type bridges as described in Topic 8.6 (see Figure 8.8.17).
8.8.15
8.8.16
Figure 8.8.20 Performing Baseline Hardness Test on Fire Damaged Arch Cables
Floor System
The floor system, consisting of floorbeams and possibly stringers, should be
inspected in the same manner as previously described in Topic 8.3, Steel Twogirder Systems & Steel Through Girder Systems (see Figure 8.8.21).
8.8.17
Tied Arches
Tied arches are subjected to axial compression in addition to bending caused by
the hanger connections. Check floorbeam to tied member connection for
distortion caused by fatigue or horizontal floorbeam displacement in the webs of
the floorbeams when the stringers are placed above the floorbeams.
8.8.18
8.8.19
Out-of-plane Distortion
Investigate the girders at the floorbeam connection for cracks in the webs due to
out-of-plane distortion. Investigate for fatigue cracks due to web-gap distortion.
This is a major source of cracking when floorbeams frame into girders. For
additional information on out-of-plane distortion, see Topic 8.3.
Out-of-plane distortion can also crack the tie girder webs at partial depth
diaphragm connection with floorbeams (see Figure 8.8.23). The diaphragms
stiffen the tie girders. However, the small, unstiffened regions of the webs do not
have sufficient rigidity against lateral, out-of-plane distortion. The situation is
analogous to that of webs at unattached ends of floorbeam or diaphragm
connection plates. Fatigue cracks can develop at the ends of the diaphragm plates.
The ends of all partial depth diaphragms in a box tie girder should be closely
inspected.
Floorbeam
8.8.20
Secondary Members
The secondary members should be inspected using methods similar to those
detailed in Topics 8.3, 8.5, and 8.6 (see Figure 8.8.24). In addition:
Investigate the alignment of the bracing elements. Check horizontal connection
plates, which can trap debris and moisture and are susceptible to a high degree of
corrosion and deterioration. Examine the end connections for cracks, corrosion,
and loose fasteners.
Misalignment of secondary members may be an indication of differential structure
movement or substructure settlement.
8.8.21
8.8.7
Evaluation
State and federal rating guideline systems have been developed to aid in the
inspection of steel superstructures. The two major rating guideline systems
currently in use are the FHWA's Recording and Coding Guide for the Structural
Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation's Bridges used for the National Bridge
Inventory (NBI) component rating method and the AASHTO element level
condition state assessment method.
Using NBI rating guidelines, a 1-digit code on the Federal Structure Inventory and
Appraisal (SI&A) sheet indicates the condition of the superstructure. Rating codes
range from 9 to 0 where 9 is the best rating possible. See Topic 4.2 (Item 59) for
additional details about NBI Rating Guidelines.
The previous inspection data should be considered along with current inspection
findings to determine the correct rating.
8.8.22
Element Level Condition In an element level condition state assessment of a steel arch bridge, the AASHTO
CoRe elements may be:
State Assessment
Element No.
101
102
106
107
112
113
140
141
146
147
151
152
160
161
201
202
Description
Box Girder
Unpainted Steel Closed Web/Box Girder
Painted Steel Web/Box Girder
Floor System
Unpainted Steel Open Girder/Beam
Painted Steel Open Girder/Beam
Unpainted Steel Stringer (Stringer Floorbeam System)
Painted Steel Stringer (Stringer Floorbeam System)
Steel Arch
Unpainted Steel Arch
Painted Steel Arch
Hanger
Cable (not embedded in concrete) Uncoated
Cable (not embedded in concrete) Coated
Floor System
Unpainted Steel Floorbeam
Painted Steel Floorbeam
Pin and Hanger
Unpainted Steel Pin and Hanger Assembly
Painted Steel Pin and Hanger Assembly
Spandrel Columns
Unpainted Steel Columns
Painted Steel Columns
The unit quantity for the arch is meters or feet and the total length of the arch ribs
must be distributed among the four available condition states for unpainted and
five available condition states for painted structures depending on the extent and
severity of deterioration. The unit quantity for the floor system is meters or feet
and the total length of floor beams and stringers must be distributed among the 4
or 5 available condition states. The unit quantity for columns, cables or hanger
assemblies is each and the total quantity must be placed in one of the four
available condition states for unpainted and five available condition states for
painted. Condition State 1 is the best possible rating. See the AASHTO Guide for
Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements for condition state
descriptions.
A Smart Flag is used when a specific condition exists, which is not described in
the CoRe element condition state. The severity of the damage is captured by
coding the appropriate Smart Flag condition state. The Smart Flag quantities are
measured as each, with only one each of any given Smart Flag per bridge.
For damage due to fatigue, the Steel Fatigue Smart Flag, Element No. 356, can
be used and one of the three condition states assigned. For rust between riveted
members, the Pack Rust Smart Flag, Element No. 357, can be used and one of
the four condition states assigned. For damage due to traffic impact, the Traffic
Impact Smart Flag, Element No. 362, can be used and one of the three condition
states assigned. For steel arches with section loss due to corrosion, the Section
Loss Smart Flag, Element No. 363, can be used and one of the four condition
states assigned.
8.8.23
8.8.24