A wing wall is a structure constructed as an extension of abutments to prevent the earth from coming in contact with a passage provided for passing vehicles, pedestrians, and water.
We can also define it as A wall constructed at both ends of the abutments to prevent Earth banks (embankments) from coming on the road, river, or any passageway. These embankments are provided on both sides of abutments to retain the earth at their position. These retaining walls can be decorative.
These walls are typically made of concrete and are designed to resist the lateral forces of the soil and water that may be pressing against the bridge or retaining wall.
A person standing in front of the wing wall construction |
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What is a wing wall in a bridge?
A wing wall is also provided in the bridge structure. The function of wing walls is almost similar in all types of civil engineering structures. This structure keeps the backfill behind the abutment wall. These retaining walls may be separated or a part of abutments.
We can also say it is a side wall of the bridge structure. But it can be built at any angle or may be perpendicular to the abutments of the bridge. Bridge wing wall construction may be of the same material or different. Let's understand it with a figure of a bridge structure.
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Here in the below image, you can see where is wing wall is provided. The center line (dashes line) represents a bridge passageway (maybe a road or river Bridge). A rectangular abutment is provided on both edges bridge. While a wing wall is provided on either side of the abutments.
This means the walls are constructed on both sides of the constructed abutment.
Wing wall structure figure |
Purpose of Wing Wall
Here the question arises, what is the work of wing walls?
- To protect the earth bank of the river from erosion of the soil
- To support and protect the embankments because they slide due to weathering action
- To retain earth banks stable
- For smooth entry into the bridge site (especially for water flow)
Types of the wing wall
- Straight Wing Walls
- Return Wing Walls
- Splayed Wing Walls
- Free Standing/Separate Wing Walls
- Cantilever WingWall
1. Straight Wing Walls
Straight Wing Wall Type |
2. Return Wing Walls
Return wing wall in bridge |
3. Splayed Wing Walls
Splayed wing wall type |
4. Free Standing/Separate Wing Walls
Selection of type of WingWall for construction
- Site Conditions
- Loads and Forces
- Aesthetics Look
- Cost of construction
- Constructability
- Accessibility
- Durability
- Local regulations
- Environmental impact
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