What are the different types of Bridge Wing Walls?
The wing walls are the structural elements of the bridges which have been extended at a right angle from the main construction structure. The wing walls have been used in conjunction with the bridges, retaining walls and culverts. The primary function of the wing walls is to support the adjacent structure or retain the earth thus guiding the water flow or earth around it. The design of the wing walls was done to provide lateral support to the construction structure, prevent erosion of the soil, and increase the overall aesthetics of the construction structure.
Various types of materials have been used in the construction of the wing walls including concrete, stone, brick, or steel on the basis of the specific requirement of the construction project. The choice of materials for the wing walls depends upon durability, load requirement, and cost.
Concrete is the most common material which enhances the strength and durability of the wing walls, whereas, stone masonry helps to provide natural aesthetic looks of the wing walls. On the other hand, brick masonry has been suitable for lightweight structures and reinforced earth is the most cost-effective as well as environment friendly.
Design consideration for the construction of the wing walls
For designing a safe, economical and durable wing wall for the bridges, numerous design considerations need to be taken which are as follows:
Testing of the soils
The soil testing is necessary to determine the soil properties, drainage characteristics, and load-bearing capacity which influences the selection of the appropriate types and sizes of the foundation.
Selection of the materials
Proper material selection is also necessary for providing strength and durability of the wing walls.
Geometry of the wing walls
Based on the soil condition and structural analysis of the construction site, the size and shape of the wing walls have been decided.
Load-bearing capacity
It needs to be ensured that the wing walls have the capacity to handle horizontal pressure as well as hydraulic forces. The wing walls should have to be designed to stand with external forces.
Drainage system
It also needs to ensure that there is a proper drainage system in the bridges which helps to prevent the water pressure build up behind the wing wall.
The drainage pipe or weep holes helps to allow water to escape thus preventing water pressure on the wall.
Different applications of wing walls in the engineering and construction project
In the case of the construction project of the bridges, the wing walls have been constructed to support the abutments as well as guide the water flow under the bridges. The wing wall has been also employed in the retaining wall systems which helps to provide additional strength and stability to the retained soil. In the case of the culverts, wing walls are also used to direct the water flow as well as help to prevent soil erosion at the inlet and outlet points.
In the case of engineering projects, the wing walls have been used to increase the structural integrity and longevity of the main construction structure. The wing walls also help to play an important role in the retention of the soil, preventing soil erosion as well as being effective in water management. In addition, the wing walls also help to add aesthetic appeal to the construction structure thus blending functionality with the construction design.
In various civil engineering projects including the construction of highways, railways, bridges, culverts and others, the wing walls have been used. In the case of the construction of highways and bridges, wing walls help to provide lateral support to the bridge abutments as well as help to ensure the movement of the traffic by preventing the erosion of the soil. In case of the railway construction, the wing walls have been used in the railway embankments to secure the soil thus helping to prevent the instability of the railway track due to the movement of the soil. In the case of the culvert construction, the wing walls help to prevent damage due to the scouring and flooding.
Different types of wing walls
Based on the location of the wing walls, the classification of these walls is as follows:
Free-standing Wing Walls
The foundation of these types of wing walls is independent of the main abutment. This type of wing wall is positioned parallel to the abutment wall which helps to accommodate the local topography. This helps to eliminate any kind of design issue in the bridges.
Cantilevered Wing Walls
The cantilevered wing walls have been created parallel to the over-road. In the case of lengths up to 12 m from the abutment, this type of wing wall is useful. These types of wing walls help to support the high earth pressure. Based on the design and placement of the wing walls, the classification is as follows:
Straight Wing Walls
These types of wing walls have been used in those locations with minimal water flow. The construction of the straight wing wall is easy and cost-effective. This type of wing wall extends perpendicular to the culvert or the bridge.
Splayed Wing Walls
These types of wing walls have been placed at an angle to the abutment. These spayed wing walls help to direct the flow of the water more effectively.
U-Shaped Wing Walls
This type of wing wall helps to provide additional soil retention capability as well as helps to provide stability to the bridge. In those areas along with high embankments, the U-shaped wing walls have been used.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: Civil Engineering Easy
This type of wing wall is wrapped around the structure in a U-shape.
Return Wing Walls
The return wing wall extends backward from the abutment at a 90-degree angle which is suitable for steep slopes as well as heavy soil loads. The return wing wall helps to prevent the lateral movement of the soil.
