Chenab Bridge, Jammu and Kashmir - A Case-study showcasing the application of ACM

The Chenab Bridge is the world's highest rail bridge and a masterpiece of civil engineering in a seismically active and rugged terrain. Its construction required materials that could withstand extreme temperatures, high-velocity winds, and potential blast loads.

  • Specialized Steel: The bridge's main arch and structural components are made of a special high-grade steel that is resistant to temperatures as low as -20°C and winds of up to 266 km/h. This steel is also blast-proof (up to a 63mm thickness) and corrosion-resistant, a crucial feature given the region's geopolitical context.

  • Concrete-Filled Steel Boxes: The arch's members are hollow steel boxes filled with high-strength concrete. This composite design provides an optimal balance of strength, stiffness, and durability. The concrete filling increases the arch's overall compressive strength and helps to dampen vibrations caused by wind, ensuring the bridge's stability.

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