Structural Engineering Insights into the Chenab Railway Bridge Design
Keywords:
Chenab Bridge, Railway Engineering, Steel Arch Bridge, Seismic Design, Structural AnalysisAbstract
The Chenab Railway Bridge, standing at 359 meters above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, India, represents a remarkable achievement in structural engineering (Kumar et al., 2023). This paper presents comprehensive insights into the design, construction, and engineering challenges of the world's highest railway bridge. The bridge spans 1,315 meters with a main arch span of 467 meters, incorporating innovative steel-concrete composite construction (Singh & Sharma, 2022). The research objectives focused on analyzing structural design parameters, seismic resistance capabilities, and construction methodologies employed. Through detailed analysis of engineering drawings, material specifications, and construction reports, this study employed a mixed-method approach combining quantitative structural analysis with qualitative assessment of construction challenges. The bridge utilizes E410-grade steel with 63mm blast-proof specifications and concrete-filled steel box sections for enhanced structural integrity (Patel et al., 2024). Results demonstrate exceptional seismic resistance up to magnitude 8.0 earthquakes and wind load resistance up to 266 km/h. The innovative arch design with two-ribbed configuration provides optimal load distribution across the challenging Himalayan terrain. This engineering marvel not only connects Kashmir valley with the Indian mainland but also sets new benchmarks for high-altitude railway bridge construction, proving that extreme geographical challenges can be overcome through advanced engineering solutions and innovative construction techniques.
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References
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