Aashto Load And Resistance Factor Design Bridge Design Specifications

"The provisions of these Specifications are intended for the design, evaluation and rehabilitation of both fixed and movable highway bridges. Mechanical, electrical, and special vehicular and pedestrian safety aspects of movable bridges, however, are not covered. Provisions are not included for bridges used solely for railway, rail transit or public utilities. For bridges not fully covered herein, the provisions of these Specifications mat be applied, as augmented with additional design criteria where required. These specifications are not intended to supplant proper training or the exercise of judgment by the Designer, and state only the minimum requirements necessary to provide for public safety. The Owner or the Designer may require the sophistication of design or the quality of materials and construction to be higher than the minimum requirements. The concept of safety through redundancy and ductility, and protection against scour and collision are emphasized. The design provisions of these Specifications employ the Load and Resistance Factor Design, LRFD, methodology. The factors have been developed from the theory of reliability based upon current statistical knowledge of loads and structural performance. Methods of analysis, other than those included in previous Specifications, and the modelling techniques inherent in them are included, and their use is encouraged. The commentary is not intended to provide a complete historical background concerning the development of these, or previous Specifications, nor is it intended to provide a detailed summary of the studies and research data reviewed in formulating the provisions of the Specification. However, references to some of the research data are provided for those who wish to study the background material in depth. The commentary directs attention to other documents that provide suggestions for carrying out the requirements and intent of these Specifications. However, those documents and this commentary are not intended to be a part of these Specifications."--Page1-1.