For Official use only

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(Railway Board)

INDIAN RAILWAY STANDARD

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR

THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
OF MASONRY AND PLAIN CONCRETE
ARCH BRIDGES

(ARCH BRIDGE CODE)

ADOPTED –1941
FIRST REVISION - 1962
SECOND REVISION - 2004

(Incorporating Correction Slip Upto 7)

ISSUED BY

RESEARCH DESIGNS AND STANDARDS ORGANISATION

LUCKNOW - 226011

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 CONTENTS

PAGE No.
1. SCOPE … 1
2. DESIGN LOADS AND THEIR METHODS OF APPLICATION … 1
2.1 Dead Load … 1
2.2 Live Load … 1
2.3 Temperature Stresses … 1
2.4 Rib-shortening Stresses … 1
2.5 Shrinkage Stresses … 1
3. SHAPE OF THE ARCH RING … 1
4. THICKNESS OF ARCH RIB … 2
5. ANALYSIS OF STRESSES IN THE ARCH RING … 2
5.1 Conditions of Loading … 2
5.2 Method of Analysis … 2
5.3 Existing Arches … 2
6. ‘EFFECTIVE LENGTH’ OF ARCH RING … 3
7. ABUTMENTS FOR ARCH BRIDGES … 3
7.1 Thickness at the skew-backs … 3
7.2 Forces Acting on an Abutment … 3
7.3 Conditions of stability … 4
7.4 Foundations for Abutments … 4
8. PIERS OF ARCH BRIDGES … 4
8.1 Thickness at Top … 4
8.2 Forces Acting on the Pier … 4
8.3 Conditions of Stability … 5
8.4 Foundations for Piers … 5
9. DESIGN OF RETURN AND WING WALLS … 5
10. ECONOMY IN ARCH BRIDGE DESIGN … 5
11. TYPE OF MASONRY … 5
12. WORKING STRESSES … 5
12.1 Masonry Arches … 5
12.2 Plain Concrete Arches … 5
13. FOUNDATION PRESSURE … 5
14. SEISMIC EFFECT … 5
15. SKEW ARCHES … 6
16. WEEP HOLES … 6
17. FILLING OVER ARCHES … 6
18. STRIKING OF CENTRES AND APPLICATION OF LOAD … 6

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 Indian Railway Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF MASONRY AND
PLAIN CONCRETE ARCH BRIDGES
(Arch Bridge Code)

1. SCOPE braking effect may be neglected in designing or

analysing arches covered by this code.
1.1 This Code of practice applies to arch
bridges constructed of brickwork, stone or plain 2.3 Temperature Stresses: Temperature
concrete. Any revision or addition or deletion of stresses may be neglected in designing arches
the provisions of this Code shall be issued only in masonry or plain concrete, where rise-span
through the Correction slip to this manual. No ratio is not less than 1/3.
cognizance shall be given to any policy
2.4 Rib-shortening Stresses: In
directives issued through other means.
the design of arch bridges, allowance shall be
1.2 Open spandrel and reinforced concrete made for stresses due to rib-shortening under
arch bridges are excluded from the scope of thrust.
this code.
2.5 Shrinkage Stresses –
2. DESIGN LOADS AND THEIR Shrinkage stresses are neglected in the design
METHODS OF APPLICATION of arch bridges covered by this code. When
the arch is, however, built in plain concrete,
2.1 Dead Load - The dead load
steps shall be taken to reduce shrinkage
trans-mitted to the arch is assumed to act
stresses by concreting in strips and for spans
vertically. The horizontal component of the
exceeding 6m, light reinforcements which may
earth pressure acting on the arch ring may be
not be less than 0.16 per cent of the area of
neglected.
concrete, shall be provided to resist residual
2.1.1 The dead load shall shrinkage stresses.
include the weight of the arch ring itself and all
3. SHAPE OF THE ARCH RING:
filling above it, also the weight of the road
metal in the case of road bridges and track and 3.1. In order to reduce the horizontal thrust
ballast in the case of railway bridges. and so to obtain economy in design of
abutments, piers and foundations, the rise of
an arch should be kept as large as possible. It
2.1.2 For the purpose of
should not ordinarily be less than 1/3 of the
calculations, the dead loads for various
span but in no case less than 1/5.
materials shall be taken from IS:1911-1967.
Schedule of Unit Weights of Building Materials. 3.1.1. For spans up to 12m clear, a
simple segmental or semi-circular curve may
2.2 Live Load:
be adopted as no marked advantage is
2.2.1 Live Load: The live load obtained by using multi-centred arches.
shall be the appropriate standard of loading
3.1.2. For spans exceeding 12m clear,
with longitudinal and lateral distribution as laid
the shape of the arch axis should be designed
down in the Bridge Rules.
in such a manner that the axis conforms as
2.2.2 Dynamic Effects : The near as practicable to the equilibrium polygon
Dynamic Effects Allowance shall be taken as for dead load plus 50 per cent of the E.U.D.L
specified in the Bridge Rules. covering the entire span
2.2.3 Horizontal Loads on
the Arch: The effect of the tractive effort and

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4. THICKNESS OF ARCH RIB: (b) within the middle third if graphical or
other approximate methods are
4.1. The variation, if any, in the thickness of
adopted.
an arch from one section to another shall be
gradual and shall be fixed with due regard to 5.2. Method of Analysis: In analysing
the conditions of stresses, economy and masonry or concrete arches, the elastic
appearance. method of analysis should preferably be
adopted. Either purely analytical methods or a
For short spans, not exceeding 12m clear, a
combination of analytical and graphical
constant section of arch from crown to
methods may be used. In practice the simplest
springing may be adopted.
method would probably be a combination of
5. ANALYSIS OF STRESSES IN THE ARCH the analytical and graphical methods.
RING:
5.1. Conditions of Loading : In investiga- 5.3. Existing Arches:
ting the stability of the arch ring, it will be
sufficient to consider the following conditions of 5.3.1. Except in case of gauge
loading with regard to live loads – conversion, certification of existing arch
bridges as per para 4, chapter VI of Rules for
5.1.1. For short spans not exceeding the Opening of a Railway shall be based on
12m clear, with a constant thickness of the physical condition of the structure.
arch ring, live load at the end 5/8 of the span.
5.1.2. For short spans not exceeding When new types of locomotives and rolling
12m clear, with arch rings of variable thickness, stock are permitted to run on a section for the
investigation of stresses must be made at three the first time, bridges should be kept under
critical sections with the position of observation as considered necessary by the
U.D.L.specified in Clause 2.3.4.1 of Bridge Chief Engineer.
Rules as given in the Table-I below.
5.3.2. Heavier loading density or axle
TABLE-I load over those allowed at present shall not be
permitted on distressed arch bridges, unless
Moment they are rehabilitated. However, at the
Section Max. (+) Max. (-) discretion of the Chief Engineer, such heavier
trailing load/increased axle load may be
Crown Middle 1/4 of End 3/8 (both permitted on the existing distressed arch
whole span ends) bridges, if the strength of the arch bridge is
Quarter End 3/8 End 5/8 found safe after conducting load test on
Point (adjacent end) (opposite end) representative span as per the criteria
indicated in para 5.3.3.
Spring End 5/8 End 3/8
Line (opposite end) (adjacent end)
5.3.3. The load test shall be conducted
5.1.3. For spans exceeding 12m clear, on distressed bridge only after complete
stresses shall be worked out throughout the pressure grouting of the masonry. The criteria
arch, the number of sections depending on the for arriving at the safe load shall be:-
span of the arch.
(i) Under the proposed load the crown
5.1.4. The line of pressure under the deflection and spread do not exceed
condition of loading enumerated above shall 1.25 and 0.4 mm, respectively;
everywhere lie, (ii) There is no residual deflection or
(a) within the middle half of the arch ring, if spread after release of load; and
the line of pressure is determined (iii) There is no crack appearing on the
by elastic theory. intrados of bridge.

VI-2
Note: The above criteria will be applicable to acting along with the existing one. It should,
segmental and non-segmental arches of span however, be ensured that a proper bond is
4.5m to 15 m provided the span/rise ratio lies established between the existing masonry and
between 2 and 5 new material by suitable means such as
dowels and post grouting through grout holes
5.3.4. In regard to gauge conversion,
to be left while casting the jacket.
the certification for the safety of all the arch
bridges, whether sound or distressed shall be 5.3.5.5 In all cases of
based on load test on representative type of cracked masonry, whether in arches or in
bridges. The criteria for assessing the safe abutments and piers, that should be grouted
load shall be the same as specified in clause under pressure to plug all the cracks before the
5.3.3 above, provided the following conditions additional material is provided.
are also satisfied. Special cases, if any, may
5.3.5.6 The space
be dealt with on individual merits by the
between the new arch ring and the existing
Railways in consultation with RDSO.
arch, in the case of strengthening below the
(i) The condition of intrados of the arch should be grouted under
masonry and its behaviour under test pressure for which grout holes should be
load are satisfactory. provided in the new arch ring.
(ii) Type of foundation and 6. ‘‘EFFECTIVE LENGTH’’ OF ARCH RING:
nature of soil on which it is founded are
6.1. The effective length shall be the full
suitable.
length from skew back to skew back. Where
however spandrel filling with masonry or
5.3.5. Strengthening of
concrete is done in conjunction with the arch
weak/distressed existing arches:
ring, so as to provide proper bonding between
5.3.5.1 For strengthening the arch ring and the masonry or concrete in
weak/distressed arches method of jacketing at the spandrel filling the effective length of the
the intrados is preferable, if the resultant arch may be taken between the points
reduction in the waterway is permissible obtained by producing the inside vertical faces
of skew backs to cut the extrados as shown in
5.3.5.2 In the case of
the sketch.
strengthening over extrados of arch, the new
arch ring should be designed to take the entire
load, viz.dead and live loads.
7.
5.3.5.3 In the case of
strengthening below intrados of arch, the new
arch ring should be designed as under:-
(a) To take the entire load by
itself where the existing arch has
transverse crack(s).
(b) To take the entire load by
composite action with the existing arch
ring, where the existing crack(s) are all ABUTMENTS FOR ARCH BRIDGES:
longitudinal or there are no signs of
distress in the existing arch, provided 7.1. Thickness at the Skew-backs: The
effective bond could be ensured thickness at the skew back should be
between the old and new arch ring. determined with due regard to the shearing
stress produced by the horizontal thrust from
5.3.5.4 In the case of the arch ring, which shall be assumed to be
strengthening of abutments and piers of arch resisted by the combined friction and shearing
bridges, the design should always be on the strength of the joint. The coefficient of friction
basis of composite action of the new material

VI-3
in this case may be taken as 0.7 and the safe (b) Dead load plus live load on
shearing stress as given in Clause 12. the other 5/8 span.
7.2. Forces Acting on an Abutment: (c) Dead load plus live load on
the entire span.
7.2.1 The forces acting on an abutment
are as follows: For each of the above conditions of loading,
the line of pressure in the course enumerated
(a) Reaction from the arch.
above shall lie within the middle half of every
(b) Pressure of earth at back. section of the abutment. The stresses at any
(c) Weight of abutment and section shall not exceed the working stresses
overlying fill. specified in clause 12. The shearing stresses
(d) Water pressure and at any place shall be assumed to be resisted
buoyancy – These should be by the frictional forces and safe shearing
considered when depth of water may strength of the masonry.
exceed 6m the calculations being made
both with and without the effect of the 7.4. Foundations for Abutments.
water pressure and buoyancy acting
together. 7.4.1 Arches shall only be built where
foundation conditions are such that there will
be no risk of unequal settlement or horizontal
7.2.2 In calculating the thrust of the arch movement.
ring for designing the abutment, Dynamic
effects may be neglected. 7.4.2 The permissible pressure on the
soil shall not exceed that specified in Clause
7.2.3 The total thrust from the live load 13.
may be assumed to be distributed over the 7.4.3 The line of pressure shall lie
whole length of the abutment, or a length within the middle third of the foundation and
bounded by lines drawn at a slope of 1` every effort should be made to keep it as near
horizontal to 2 vertical from the bottom edges the center of the base as possible, to ensure a
of sleepers to the section under investigation uniform distribution of pressure.
whichever length is less. Over this length, the
thrust due to dead load may be assumed to 7.4.4 The depth of foundation shall be
have a uniform value, corresponding to that determined by the Engineer with due regard to
produced by the maximum height of the filling. the conditions at the site but should not,
ordinarily, be less than 1.25 m.
7.2.4 The active earth pressure at the 8. PIERS OF ARCH BRIDGES.
back of an abutment (which adds to its
stability) shall not be taken to be more than the 8.1 Thickness at Top The
pressure of a fluid weighing 2353 N/m3 (240 thickness at the top shall be adequate to
kg/m3). This pressure shall be assumed to act accommodate the skew backs on both sides
over a height from bed level to springing only, and to resist the stresses imposed under the
due allowance being made for surcharge of the most unfavourable conditions of loading.
overlying fill. No allowance shall be made for
the surcharge due to the live load. 8.2 Forces Acting on the Pier.

7.3. Conditions of Stability An arch 8.2.1 The forces acting on the pier
abutment shall be investigated for the following are as follows:-
three conditions of loading:-
(a) reactions from the adjacent arches,
(a) Dead load plus live load on
(b) weight of masonry and fill and the
5/8 span adjacent to abutment.
weight of pier itself.

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(c) Water pressure and buoyancy with the should, generally, not exceed 1000mm when
same provision as for abutments in the depth of fill is considerable.
Clause 7.2.

11. TYPE OF MASONRY:

8.2.2 The provisions regarding
11.1 Arch rings shall be constructed
dynamic effects and distribution of thrust shall
either with voussoirs of precast cement
be the same as laid down for abutments in
concrete or sound durable building stone, or
clause 7.2.
brick work in first class bricks and 1:4 cement
8.3 Conditions of Stability: mortar. Plain cement concrete cast in-situ may
also be used in which case reinforcement shall
8.3.1 The stability of piers shall be provided as per Clause 2.5.
always be investigated for the following two
conditions of loading:- 12. WORKING STRESSES;
(a) when only one of the 12.1 Masonry Arches
adjacent spans carries live load – This
12.1.1 Where actual
condition will usually give the maximum
compression tests are made, the maximum
stresses in the masonry of the pier.
permissible compressive stress in masonry
(b) When both adjacent spans shall not exceed one-eighth of its crushing
carry live load – This condition usually strength. Tensile and shear stresses may be
gives the maximum intensity of permitted upto one-fortieth of the crushing
foundation pressures. strength.
8.3.2 The provision of Clause 7.3
12.1.2 In the absence of tests,
regarding the location of the line of pressure
sound brick-work in lime mortar, which has
and the stresses, apply to the piers also.
hardened, shall be assumed to have a
8.4 Foundations for piers – These shall crushing strength of 4.3N per sq.mm (43.75 Kg
be governed by the same provisions as laid per sqcm.) and brick-work in cement mortar 6.9
down for abutments in Clause 7.4. N per sqmm (70 kg. per sqcm.).

12.2 Plain Cement Concrete

9. DESIGN OF RETURN AND WING WALLS Arches – The working stresses shall not
9.1 The return and wing walls exceed those laid down in the Indian Railway
should be designed in accordance with the Standard “Concrete Bridge Code”.
Indian Railway Standard “Code of Practice for
the design of sub-structure of bridges”. 13. FOUNDATION PRESSURE

10. ECONOMY IN ARCH BRIDGE DESIGN: 13.1 Owing to the wide variation in
safe bearing pressures on foundations in
10.1 In the case of arch bridges in different parts of India, it is not possible to
high banks, the height of the springing, the specify permissible bearing pressures which
length of the arch barrel and, in the case of will have universal application. Designs should
multiple span bridges, the size of the span of be based on local conditions and permissible
the arches should be so fixed that the total cost pressures may be established on the basis of
of the bridge for the required water-way is a tests or on pervious experience. Normally,
minimum. foundations, unless resting directly on rock,
10.2 In order to avoid excessive shall not be less than 1.25m in depth. It is,
lateral tension in the arch ring or excessive generally, safe to increase the permissible
load on the ends of the barrel, the height of the bearing pressure at the rate of 17647 N/m 2
parapet wall above the crown of the arch

VI-5
(1800 kg per sqm) for each additional metre of after a time, the arch action in the filling
depth below 1.25 m. relieves the arch ring of a considerable portion
of the superimposed load.
18. STRIKING OF CENTRES AND
14. SEISMIC EFFECT: APPLICATION OF LOAD:
14.1 Masonry or plain cement
concrete arches shall not be constructed in 18.1 The centers should not be
zone V. Masonry or plain cement concrete struck before one week after the completion of
arches shall not be constructed with spans the arch.
exceeding 6 m in Zone IV and 10m in Zone III.
18.2 After completion of any portion
15. SKEW ARCHES: of the masonry of an arch bridge, the following
15.1 Skew arches shall be so minimum periods of time as specified in Table-
constructed that the courses are everywhere at II below should be allowed to elapse before
right angles to the lines of thrust. loads as specified therein may be imposed on
that portion of the masonry:-
16. WEEP HOLES: TABLE-II
16.1 Weep holes should be provided 50% of 75% of Full
through abutments, wing or return walls, and design design design
parapets, as may be necessary, adequate Description
load load load
arrangements being made to lead water to the
weep holes. Ordinary 7 14 28
cement mortar days days days
17. FILLING OVER ARCHES: and concrete.
Rapid- 5 10 28
17.1 It is recommended that the hardening days days days
depth of the fill between the underside of the cement mortar
sleeper and the crown of the arch should not and concrete.
be less than 1 m.
17.2 Filling of a porous nature, such
as brickbats or ballast, should be used to cover
the whole extrados of the arch to a depth of at NOTES:
least 300 mm over the crown. 1. The expression “load” means the total
17.3 Earth filling should be done in calculated load with the appropriate Dynamic
layers, each being consolidated by ramming effects allowance specified for the speed at
and by sprinkling with water. Black cotton soil which the load is permitted to run.
should not be used. 2. The above periods shall be suitably
increased where the mean air temperature is
17.4 In existing arches the filling less than 160 C.
should be disturbed as little as possible as,

VI-6