TABLE OF CONTENTS For long or heavily loaded bridge spans, restrictions on depth of structural system imposed by vertical clearances under a bridge generally favor use of through construction. Through girders support the deck near their bottom flange. Such spans preferably should contain only two main girders, with the railway or roadway between them (Fig. 12.37). In contrast, deck girders support the deck on the top flange (Art. 12.7).
The projection of the girders above the deck in through bridges may be objectionable for highway structures, because they obstruct the view from the bridge of pedestrians or drivers. But they may offer the advantage of eliminating the need for railings and parapets. For railroad bridges over highways, streets, or other facilities from which the bridges are highly visible to the general public, through girders provide a more attractive structure than through trusses.
The projection of the girders above the deck also has the disadvantage of requiring special provisions for bracing the compression flange of the girders. Deck girders usually require no special provision for this purpose, because when a rigid deck is used, it provides the needed lateral support. Through girders should be laterally braced with gusset plates or knee braces with solid webs connected to the stiffeners.
In railroad bridges, spacing of the through girders should be at least 1/20 of the span, or should be adequate to ensure that the girders and other structural components provide required...
