What loading standard is used for design?

The code mandates the use of standard railway loadings as defined in the IRS Bridge Rules and its appendices, including provisions for dynamic effects (CDA).

What is the minimum grade of concrete for PSC railway bridges?

The code specifies a minimum of M35 for prestressed concrete members, though higher grades are commonly used in modern practice.

Are there specific provisions for dynamic effects?

Yes, the design must account for impact effects (Coefficient of Dynamic Augment - CDA) from moving trains as specified in the IRS Bridge Rules.

Is this code still valid for new designs?

No, it has been effectively superseded by the comprehensive IRS Concrete Bridge Code and other related RDSO standards which are mandatory for all new railway bridge designs in India.

IS 10045

: 1981

Code of Practice for Design and Construction of Prestressed Concrete Railway Bridges

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeBIMStructural Engineering · Railway Engineering

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This code of practice provides guidelines for the design and construction of prestressed concrete superstructures for railway bridges. It covers materials, loads and forces, permissible stresses, design considerations for flexure, shear, and torsion, and detailing of prestressing systems specific to railway environments.

Provides guidelines for the design and construction of prestressed concrete railway bridges.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum grade of concrete for PSC worksM35

Permissible compressive stress in concrete (bending) at service0.33 * fck

Permissible tensile stress in concreteGenerally zero, with specific exceptions for temporary stages

Maximum Jacking Stress in tendon80% of ultimate tensile strength of tendon

Maximum shrinkage strain for design (post-tensioned)0.0002

Key Formulas

Stress at any fibre: f = P/A ± Pe/Z ± M/Z (where P=prestress, A=Area, e=eccentricity, Z=section modulus, M=moment)

Practical Notes

This code is largely superseded by specific IRS Bridge Codes (e.g., IRS Concrete Bridge Code) published by RDSO, which must be used for current railway projects.

Pay special attention to fatigue design and dynamic effects (CDA - Coefficient of Dynamic Augment) of moving railway loads, which are more severe than for road bridges.

All designs for railway bridges require approval from railway authorities (RDSO/Zonal Railways) and must conform to their latest circulars and loading standards.