Wing Wall - Classification of Wing Walls

Classification of Wing Walls

Wing walls can be classified according to their position in plan with respect to banks and abutments. The classification is as follows:

1.Straight Wing walls: They are used for small bridges, on drains with low banks and for railway bridges in cities (weep holes are provided).

2. Splayed Wing walls: These are used for bridges across rivers. They provide smooth entry and exit to the water. The splay is usually 45°. Their top width is 0.5 m, face batter 1 in 12 and back batter 1 in 6, weep holes are provided.

3. Return Wing walls: They are used where banks are high and hard or firm. Their top width is 1.5 m and face is vertical and back battered 1 in 4. Scour can be a problem for wing walls and abutments both, as the water in the stream erodes the supporting soil.