Optimized Design and Analysis of a Minor Bridge Under Varying Parameters

Abstract- Bridges are essential components of transportation infrastructure, providing safe and efficient passage over obstacles such as rivers, canals, and valleys. Among various types of bridges, minor box-type bridges are widely used in rural and semi-urban areas due to their structural efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The present study focuses on the optimized design and analysis of a minor box-type bridge under varying parameters using modern computational tools. In this study, the bridge structure is modeled and analyzed using STAAD Pro software, which allows accurate simulation of structural behavior under different loading conditions. The analysis is carried out by considering various loads as per Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines, including dead load, superimposed dead load, live load (IRC Class A and 70R), earth pressure, temperature effects, and braking forces. Different load combinations are applied under both limit state of collapse and limit state of serviceability to ensure safety and performance of the structure. The results obtained from the analysis are evaluated in terms of bending moment (BM) and shear force (SF) at critical sections such as top slab, bottom slab, external walls, and internal walls. It is observed that maximum bending moment occurs at the corners and supports, while maximum shear force is observed at supports and wall bases. The bottom slab is found to be more critical compared to the top slab due to additional effects of soil pressure and load transfer. The design of structural components is carried out using Excel sheets based on the results obtained from STAAD Pro, ensuring compliance with IRC code provisions. The study also examines the effect of varying parameters such as loading conditions and geometric dimensions on the performance of the bridge. The results indicate that IRC 70R loading governs the design due to higher stress values.