Experimental Study on Design of Astra Portable Bridge

– Abstract – India faces frequent bridge connectivity challenges during floods, monsoons, and disasters due to the high cost and long construction time of permanent bridges. This project presents the design of the ASTRA Portable Bridge — a lightweight, modular, rapidly deployable steel bridge using a Pratt truss system. The bridge spans 15 metres with a 3.5 m carriageway and is designed for IRC Class A loading. It uses standard IS 2062 Grade E250 steel sections and fully bolted HSFG connections for easy assembly and disassembly without welding. The design includes truss members, deck system, and connections. Standard structural analysis (Method of Joints/Sections) and IS:800 limit state design were performed. The bridge weighs only 8.2 tonnes, can be transported in two trucks, and assembled by 8–10 persons in 6–8 hours. Results show maximum deflection of 21.5 mm (within L/600 limit) and optimum performance at low cost (≈ INR 14 lakhs).