Bridge Design: Assessment of Hydrologic Design Criteria
摘要
A river bridge is a vital component of the transportation network, serving as a crucial infrastructural feature. The design of a bridge frequently requires a meticulous examination of its structural elements to ensure their resilience under various adverse conditions. Typically, hydraulic analysis is undertaken to ensure the functionality and security of the bridge under different hydro-climatic conditions. In general, the hydraulic analysis uses peak discharge determined from the return period. However, urbanization and climate change have led to significant changes in land use, particularly in terms of large-scale alterations. These changes have had a notable impact on the volume of runoff and the peak discharge during various return periods in catchment areas. As a result, bridges are facing a serious threat to their safety during monsoon or high flow periods, as they are at risk of overflowing and floating. Conventional bridge design using existing hydrologic data does not take into account factors such as shifts in land use and changes in climate that have occurred in recent decades. Considering the recent fluctuations in hydraulic characteristics is now crucial while designing bridges. The objective of this study is to evaluate the hydraulic design requirements of a current bridge and examine the impact of recent modifications in hydraulic factors on the potential for flooding and infrastructure failure.