Arch bridges - Computational Analysis and Design of Bridge Structures - page 267

Table 9.1 Top 10 longest arch bridges in the world
No.

Name Main span (m) Year of built Location

1 Chaotianmen Bridge 552 2009 Chongqing, China

2 Lupu Bridge 550 2003 Shanghai, China

3 Bosideng Bridge 530 2012 Hejiang, China

4 New River Gorge Bridge 518 1977 Fayetteville, North Carolina

5 Bayonne Bridge 510 1931 Kill Van Kull, New York

6 Sydney Harbor Bridge 503 1932 Sydney, Australia

7 Wushan Bridge 460 2005 Chongqing, China

8 Mingzhou Bridge 450 2011 Ningbo, China

9 Zhijing River Bridge 430 2009 Dazhiping, China

10 Xinguang Bridge 428 2008 Guangzhou, China

9.1.1 classifications of arch bridges
An arch bridge has many variations according to structural arrangements,
structural behaviors, and materials. Based on the arrangements of the main
arch and the deck system, arch bridges are usually classified as (1) deck
arch bridge, (2) half-through arch bridge, and (3) through arch bridge (Fox,
2000). As shown in Figure 9.3, a deck arch bridge is one where the bridge
deck locates completely above the crown of arch; a through arch bridge
is one where the deck locates at the springing line of the arch; and half-
through arch bridge is one where the deck locates at an elevation between a
deck arch and a through arch. When choosing a type of arch bridge among
these three arrangements, the deck elevation is the primary control factor.
Horizontal outward thrust at abutments distinguishes an arch bridge from
other types of bridge. The counterbalance of such outward thrust from the
abutments, which reduces the bending effects in the arch, however, requires
foundations capable of resisting huge horizontal thrust. Situations where foun-
dations are not permissive, the arch can be tied horizontally by the deck or
external tendons. When tied, the horizontal outward thrust is balanced inter-
nally, instead of externally by foundations. In this regard, arch bridges can be
classified as (1) thrusting arch bridge and (2) nonthrusting arch bridge. A non-
thrusting arch bridge, which is often called a tied-arch bridge, is widely used as
there is no additional horizontal thrust requirement in the foundation.
Traditionally, a deck-through arch bridge is tied as the tie at the deck level
connecting two ends of the arch. It is the most effective way to balance the
outward thrust. A half-through arch bridge can also be tied at the deck level,
in which tying forces are transferred to the main arch from side arches in
two side spans. Chaotianmen Bridge and Lupu Bridge (both in China as
shown in Figures 9.3b and 9.8 later in the chapter, respectively) are the first
two world record keepers for arch bridges by their main span. Both of them