BRIDGE SITE SURVEY
Bridge site survey is process of assessing and evaluating a
potential location for the construction of a bridge. Bridges are the
structures that are constructed with the purpose of connecting two
places separated by deep valleys or gorges or rivers and streams.
Bridges are usually the cross drainage and hence a part of roads
making them shorter and hence economical. For places, where the
ground is uneven and undulated and where the number of rivers is
large, bridges are the most economic and efficient way. It is a very
convenient way.
2.5.1 Brief Description of Area
Natural Conditions
In this part, describe the natural condition of the bridge site e.g. the presence of stone, bushes, trees, dampness,
etc around the area to be surveyed. Study the source of the river and the catchment area around the river.
2.5.2 Technical Specification
1 Control Point Fixing 2 Base Line Measurement 3 Angle Measurement
Control point fixing as well as In triangulation, distance of Base The triangulation angle had to be
determining the length of the Line must be measured in an measured on two sets of readings
bridge axis had to be done that accuracy of 1:2000 by Theodolite and the difference
the triangles triangulation. While between the mean angles of two
forming triangles, proper care sets of readings had to be within
had to be taken such that the a minute.
triangles were well conditioned,
i.e , none of the angles of the
triangle were greater than 120°
or less than 30°.
4 Level Transfer 5 Topographic Map
Carry out reciprocal levelling to transfer level from one Plot a topographic map indicating contour lines at
bank to other batik of the river within a precision of suitable interval (contour interval=1m). The scale for
25k mm Determine the RL of the other triangulation plotting the topographical map was given to be 1:500
stations by fly levelling from the end point of bridge
axis.
2.5.3 Equipment and Accessories
Theodolite Levelling Machine Ranging Rods
Measuring Tapes Levelling Staffs Pegs & Arrows
Marker Pen
2.5.4 Site Selection
River Reach Characteristics Flow Characteristics Riverbank Stability River Channel Width
The river reach should be straight to facilitate Uniform and steady flow in the river reach is Stable riverbanks ensure the structural integrity The width of the river channel should be
smooth bridge construction. essential for bridge stability. of the bridge. minimized to reduce construction complexity.
Alignment and Leveling Foundation Stability High Flood Level Clearance
Obstruction to Waterways
Minimize obstruction to natural waterways for Provide sufficient clearance for high flood levels
I. Bridge axis should be at a right angle to the Availability of hard strata or non-erodible
environmental and navigational reasons. to prevent damage during floods.
river flow direction. II. Align the bridge axis with foundations is crucial for bridge stability.
the centerline of the approach road. III. Ensure
the bridge is level or complies with roadway
gradients at both ends.
Underwater Construction
Availability of Construction Materials
Ensure the availability of necessary construction Avoid excessive underwater construction works
materials at the site. to simplify construction processes.
Levelling
Transferring R.L. from B.M. to control points: The benchmark was on the rock. R.L. was transferred to the triangular
station from the B.M. by fly levelling by taking the back sight-reading to the benchmark which should be within the
given accuracy. The R.L. was transferred to the opposite bank of the river by reciprocal levelling.
Reciprocal Levelling
This method is used when direct measurement is impossible, but line of sight is clear. To transfer Reduced
Levels (RLs) across the river, reciprocal levelling was employed. This technique minimizes errors from factors
such as focusing, collimation, earth curvature, and atmospheric refraction. Averaging the two elevation
differences yields the accurate elevation change between points A and B.
Reciprocal Levelling
1 Obstructed Taping 2 Error Reduction 3 Precise Level Transfer
This method is particularly By taking readings from both Reciprocal leveling is essential
useful in situations where direct sides and averaging the results, for accurately establishing a
tape measurements are many common surveying errors common reference level across
impossible due to physical are significantly reduced. These obstacles. This is crucial for
obstructions, such as a wide errors include those associated tasks such as transferring
river or deep ravine. However, with instrument misalignment elevation data across a river for
it's crucial that a clear line of (collimation), variations in bridge construction or
sight exists between the two instrument height during setup, determining elevations across a
points for accurate level and the effects of atmospheric valley for road design. The
transfer. refraction (bending of light). elimination of systematic errors
This averaging process greatly ensures higher precision in
improves the precision and determining the relative heights
reliability of the level transfer. of points located on opposite
sides of an obstacle. This
accuracy is critical for many
engineering and construction
projects.
