Design Standards

Purpose: Defines load magnitudes and load combinations.

Typical use: Establishing gravity, wind, seismic, and snow demands.

Project relevance: Sets the governing combinations for your rehabilitation checks.

Related chapters: Chapter 3, Design

Calculation examples: 1.2D + 1.6L; Wind pressure on an open structure

Do not reproduce standard text; cite section numbers only.

Purpose: Design provisions for steel members and connections.

Typical use: Flexure, shear, compression, tension, and connection design.

Project relevance: Governs the corroded stringer capacity evaluation.

Related chapters: Chapter 3, Design

Calculation examples: φMn for a compact W-shape; Block shear on a gusset

Use the Steel Construction Manual tables for section properties.

Purpose: Design and detailing of reinforced concrete.

Typical use: Flexure, shear, development length, serviceability.

Project relevance: Applies to any concrete deck or substructure repair.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Mn of a singly reinforced beam; Development length

Check strength reduction factors by strain classification.

Purpose: Bridge design loads, distribution, and resistance.

Typical use: HL-93 live load, distribution factors, limit states.

Project relevance: Primary specification for pedestrian and highway bridge work.

Related chapters: Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Interior girder distribution factor; Service III stress check

Pedestrian bridges also reference the LRFD Guide Specifications.

Purpose: Geometric design policy for highways and streets.

Typical use: Alignment, sight distance, cross-section design.

Project relevance: Applies to any approach or connector geometry.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Crest curve length; Superelevation transition

Coordinate with the state DOT supplement.

Purpose: Standardized material specification and test methods.

Typical use: Soil classification, concrete testing, steel material grades.

Project relevance: Defines how your field and lab data must be collected.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: USCS classification (D2487); Compressive strength (C39)

Cite the standard designation and year.

Purpose: Welding requirements for structural and bridge steel.

Typical use: Weld procedure, inspection, and acceptance criteria.

Project relevance: Governs any welded retrofit plates.

Related chapters: Design

Calculation examples: Fillet weld strength

Bridge work uses D1.5.

Purpose: Federal bridge inspection and program guidance.

Typical use: Inspection frequency, condition rating, load rating.

Project relevance: Frames the inspection data supporting your problem statement.

Related chapters: Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Calculation examples: Rating factor

Condition ratings are a defensible evidence source.

Purpose: Airport geometric and pavement design guidance.

Typical use: Runway geometry, pavement thickness.

Project relevance: Only if your project touches aviation facilities.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Pavement thickness design

AC 150/5300 series.

Purpose: Regulatory framework for discharge and treatment.

Typical use: NPDES permitting, BMP selection.

Project relevance: Applies to construction-phase and permanent stormwater controls.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Water quality volume

State programs often add stricter requirements.

Purpose: Hydraulic, geotechnical, and levee design guidance.

Typical use: Channel design, seepage, slope stability.

Project relevance: Useful for flood-related capstone scopes.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Seepage analysis

EM 1110 series.

Purpose: Design and construction of masonry structures.

Typical use: Masonry wall design and detailing.

Project relevance: Applies to masonry retaining or building elements.

Related chapters: Chapter 3

Calculation examples: Allowable axial stress

Coordinate with ASCE 7 loads.

Purpose: Precast and prestressed concrete design guidance.

Typical use: Precast member selection and connection design.

Project relevance: Relevant for accelerated bridge construction options.

Related chapters: Design

Calculation examples: Prestress losses

Complements ACI 318.