Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractThe design of main bridge girders is a critical factor in ensuring the safety, durability, and functionality of structures. This study focuses on the main girder of the bridge over Oued El Mlah, using Eurocode 2 (C3037 for concrete and B500 for steel) as the reference standard. The objective is to propose a comprehensive calculation methodology that integrates both structural and hydrological constraints in order to optimize the design and resistance of the girder.First, permanent, variable, and hydraulic loadsincluding flood events with a return period of 100 years (P100) and backwater effectswere analyzed and incorporated into the calculation of bending moments and shear forces. The girder section was defined to ensure stiffness and strength, with particular attention to effective depth, width, and concrete cover. The calculation assumptions complied with safety factors and the provisions of Eurocode 2 for both concrete and steel.Subsequently, the design included the calculation of longitudinal and transverse reinforcement, crack control, and deflection verification to ensure structural performance and long-term durability. Numerical results demonstrate that the girder can withstand combined actions while satisfying crack width and deflection limits. Minor adjustments, such as a slight increase in section size or reinforcement redistribution, further optimize the design.Finally, the study highlights the importance of an integrated hydrologystructure approach, considering environmental constraints and extreme loads from the earliest stages of design. Final recommendations address reinforcement distribution, deflection verification, corrosion protection, and durability, as well as the application of this methodology to similar projects in areas with high hydrological risk. This research thus provides a comprehensive methodological reference for the design of main girders in complex hydrological contexts.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 MOKILI ENASI Josu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
