Examples and Applications

A new highway alignment requires crossing a deep V-shaped river valley. The span length from edge to edge is approximately $450\text{ m}$. The valley floor is inaccessible for temporary supports (falsework) due to environmental restrictions and frequent flash floods. Solid bedrock is available at both the valley floor and the top of the embankments.

Evaluate the potential bridge types and recommend the most suitable option, providing reasoning for the selection.

A local municipality is planning a new two-lane bridge over a coastal inlet. The inlet is subject to significant tidal changes, strong currents, and occasional severe coastal storms (hurricanes). The inlet serves as a navigable waterway for small to medium-sized commercial fishing vessels. The soil near the surface consists of deep layers of loose sand and soft clay.

Identify the critical preliminary design investigations required before selecting the bridge type and alignment.