1.1 Manual Description
1.1.3 Format
The Bridge Design Manual consists of two volumes with each chapter organized as follows:
Criteria or other information
Structural Steel Manual Description B. Chapters
1. General Information 2. Preliminary Design 3. Analysis
4. Loads
5. Reinforced Concrete Superstructures 6. Prestressed Concrete Superstructures 7. Structural Steel
8. Miscellaneous Design 9. Substructure Design 10. Detailing Practice 11. Quantities
12. Construction Costs
13. Construction Specifications 14. Inspection and Rating C. Numbering System
1. The numbering system for the criteria consists of a set of numbers followed by letters as required to designate individual subjects. This format is similar to that used by AASHTO.
Example:
5.0 Reinforced Concrete Superstructures (Chapter)
5.4 Box Girder Bridges (Section)
5.4.2 Girder (Subsection)
C. Shear Resistance 1. The Shear Diagram
a. Shear Reinforcement (1) Placement 2. Numbering of Sheets
Each section starts a new page numbering sequence. The page numbers are located in the lower outside corners and begin with the chapter number, followed by the section number, then a sequential page number.
Example: 5.4-1, 5.4-2, etc.
Structural Steel Manual Description 3. Appendices are included to provide the designer with design aids (Appendix A) and examples
(Appendix B). Design aids are generally standard in nature, whereas examples are modified to meet specific job requirements.
An appendix is numbered using the chapter followed by section number and then a hyphen and the letter of the appendix followed by consecutive numbers.
Example: 5.4-A1 (Box Girder Bridges) designates a design aid required or useful to accomplish the work described in Chapter 5, Section 4.
4. Numbering of Tables and Figures
Tables and figures shall be numbered using the chapter, section, subsection in which they are located, and then a hyphen followed by consecutive numbers.
Example: Figure 5.4.2-1 is the first figure found in Chapter 5, section 4, subsection 2.
1.1.4 Revisions
A. Manual Updates
The Bridge Design Manual will change as new material is added and as criteria and specifications change.
Revisions and new material will be issued with a Publications Transmittal Form. The form will have a revision number and remarks or special instructions regarding the sheets. The revision number shall be entered on the Record of Revision sheet in this manual. This allows the user to verify that the manual is up to date.
B. Bridge Design Instruction
Special instructions regarding interpretation of criteria or other policy statements may be issued using a Bridge Design Instruction (BDI). The BDI will be transmitted in the same manner as outlined above for manual revisions. The BDI should be inserted in the appropriate place in the manual and remains in effect until the expiration date shown or until superseded by a revision to the manual. A sample BDI is shown on Figure 1.1.4-1.
P:DP/BDM1 9807-0802
Structural Steel Manual Description
February 1997
BRIDGE DESIGN INSTRUCTION 5.1.1 CHAPTER 5 SUBJECT: Use of Concrete Class 5000 and Class 4000D
ACTION: Place this instruction in your manual and note the instruction number in your Record of Manual Revisions, 1.1.4.
TEXT There is confusion regarding the availability of Concrete Class 5000. This class of concrete is available within a 30-mile radius of Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver, Washington. “Available” means that there are concrete suppliers in these urban areas capable of supplying Concrete Class 5000 in accordance with WSDOT specifications. Outside this 30-mile radius (or near the fringe), the concrete suppliers generally do not have the quality control procedures and expertise to supply this higher strength concrete. The Construction Office or Materials Lab should be contacted for availability for project sites outside these areas.
In general, Class 4000D Concrete would be specified for bridge roadway decks outside this 30 mile radius. Class 4000D Concrete specifications require a 14-day wet cure and flyash as an additive. Typically, Class 4000 Concrete would be specified for other bridge concrete members above ground. This mix was developed by the Materials Lab to be at least as durable as Class 5000 Concrete.
By utilizing the above guidelines, WSDOT will receive the most durable bridge deck at the least cost.
Approved: _________________________
C. C. Ruth
Bridge Design Engineer CCR/db
RTS
Structural Steel Manual Description C. Record of Manual Revisions
In order that a ready means be available to check whether a manual is up to date, each manual holder is requested to keep his copy up to date and to record Bridge Design Instructions or Revisions as material is added or changed. The form below is intended for use in keeping this record. At any time, a manual holder will be able to check his list with the list in the “master” manual.
Revision Entry By Revision Entry By Revision Entry By
Number Date (Initial) Number Date (Initial) Number Date (Initial)
General Information Bridge and Structures Office Organization 1.2 Bridge and Structures Office Organization
1.2.1 General
The document defining the responsibilities for bridge design within the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the Organization Handbook. In that document, the responsibilities of the Bridge and Structures Office are stated as follows:
Provides structural engineering services for the department. Provides technical advice and assistance to other governmental agencies on such matters.
The WSDOT Design Manual states the following:
Bridge design is the responsibility of the Bridge and Structures Office in Olympia. Any design authorized to be performed at the regional level is subject to review and approval by the Bridge and Structures Office.
1.2.2 Organizational Elements of the Office A. Bridge and Structures Engineer
Responsible for structural engineering services for the department. Manages staff and programs for structure design, contract plan preparation, and inspections and assessments of existing bridges.
B. Bridge Design Engineer
The Bridge Design Engineer is directly responsible to the Bridge and Structures Engineer for structural design and review, and advises other divisions and agencies on such matters.
1. Structural Design Units
The Structural Design Units are responsible for the final design of bridges and other structures.
Final design includes preparation of plans. The units provide special design studies, develop design criteria, check shop plans, and review designs submitted by consultants.
Each design unit normally consists of individuals including a section supervisor and a bridge specialist. Organization and job assignments within the unit are flexible and are related to the projects underway at any particular time as well as to the qualifications of individuals. The emphasis in the design sections is on providing sound designs, checking, reviewing, and detailing in an efficient manner.
A bridge specialist is assigned to each design unit. Each specialist has a particular area of responsibility. The three areas are concrete, steel, and expansion joints and bearings. The specialist acts as a resource person for the bridge office in his specialty and is responsible for keeping up-to-date on current AASHTO criteria, new design concepts, technical publications, construction and maintenance issues.
The design units are also responsible for the design and preparation of contract plans for modifications to bridges in service. These include bridge rail replacement, deck repair, seismic retrofits, emergency repairs when bridges are damaged by vehicle or ship collision or natural phenomenon, and expansion joint and drainage retrofit. They review proposed plans of utility
General Information Bridge and Structures Office Organization 2. Bridge Projects Unit
The Bridge Projects Engineer directs preliminary design work, specification and cost estimates preparation, falsework review, and coordinates scheduling of bridge design projects with the Bridge Design Engineer and the Design Unit Supervisors.
The Preliminary Design engineers are responsible for bridge project planning from design studies to preliminary project reports. They are responsible for preliminary plan preparation of bridge and walls including assembly and analysis of site data, preliminary structural analysis, cost analysis, determination of structure type, and drawing preparation. They also review highway project environmental documents and design reports and handle Coast Guard liaison duties.
The Specifications and Estimate (S&E) engineers develop and maintain construction specifications and cost estimates for bridge projects originating in the Bridge and Structures Office. They also review the specifications and cost estimates for bridge contracts prepared by consultants and other government agencies which are administered by WSDOT. They assemble and review the completed bridge PS&E before submittal to the Plans Branch. They also coordi-nate the PS&E preparation with the regions, Plans Branch, and maintain bridge construction cost records.
The Construction Support engineers are responsible for checking the contractor’s falsework, shoring, and form plans. Shop plans review and approval are coordinated with the design sections. Actual check of the shop plan is done in the design section. Field requests for plan changes come through this office for a recommendation as to approval. As built plans are prepared by this unit at the completion of a contract.
The Scheduling Engineer monitors the design work schedule for the Bridge and Structures Office and maintains records of bridge contract costs.
In addition, the unit is responsible for the Bridge Design Manual, design standards, professional activities, and AASHTO support.
C. Bridge Preservation Engineer
Directs activities and develops programs to assure the structural and functional integrity of all state bridges in service. Directs emergency response services when bridges are damaged.
1. Bridge Preservation Unit
The Bridge Preservation Unit is responsible for planning and implementation of an inspection program for the more than 3,000 fixed and movable state highway bridges. In addition, the unit provides inspection services on some local agency bridges and on the state’s 21 ferry terminals.
All inspections are conducted in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
The unit maintains a statewide computer inventory Washington State Bridge Inventory System (WSBIS), of current information on more than 7,300 state, county, and city bridges in accordance with the NBIS. This includes load ratings for all bridges. It prepares a Bridge List of the state’s bridges which is published every two years.
The unit is responsible for the bridge load rating and risk reduction (SCOUR) programs. It
General Information Bridge and Structures Office Organization D. Bridge Management Engineer
This Bridge Management Unit is responsible for program development, planning, and monitoring of all H-Program activities. These include HBRRP funded bridge replacements and rehabilitation, bridge deck protection, major bridge repair, and bridge painting.
In addition, this unit manages the bridge deck protection program including the deck testing program and the bridge research program. It is responsible for the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of new programs (e.g., Seismic Retrofit and Preventative Maintenance), experimental feature projects, new product evaluation, and technology transfer.
E. Computer Applications Engineer
The Computer Support Unit is responsible for computer resource planning and implementation, computer user support, liaison with Management Information Systems (MIS), and computer aided engineer operation support. In addition, the unit is responsible for Standard Plan updates.
F. Consultant Coordinator
The Consultant Coordinator prepares bridge consultant agreements and coordinates consultant PS&E development activities with those of the department.
G. Architect
The Principal Architect is responsible for approving preliminary plans, preparing renderings, model making, and other duties to improve the aesthetics of our bridges and other structures. The Principal Architect works closely with staff and regions. During the design phase, designers should get the Architect’s approval for any changes to architectural details shown on the approved preliminary plan.
H. Staff Support Unit
The Staff Support Unit is responsible for many support functions, such as: typing, timekeeping, payroll, receptionist, vehicle management, mail, inventory management, and other duties requested by the Bridge and Structures Engineer. Other duties include: of field data, plans for bridges under contract or constructed, and design calculations. This unit also maintains office supplies and provides other services.
I. Office Administrator
The Office Administrator is responsible for coordinating personnel actions, updating the organizational chart, ordering technical materials, and other duties requested by the Bridge and Structures Engineer. Staff development and training are coordinated through the Office Administrator. Logistical support, office and building maintenance issues are also handled by the Office Administrator.
General Information Bridge and Structures Office Organization 1.2.3 Design Unit Responsibilities and Expertise
The following is an updated summary of design responsibilities/expertise within the Bridge Design Section. Contact the unit manager for the name of the appropriate staff expert for the needed specialty.
Unit Manager Responsibility/Expertise K. N. Kirker Expansion Joint Modifications
Retaining Walls (including MSE, Tie-Back, and Soil Nail) Seismic Retrofit
Y. A. Mhatre Noise Walls
Bridge Traffic Barriers
Standard Plans for Prestressed Concrete R. T. Shaefer Coast Guard Permits
Cost Estimates
Standard Plans (other than Prestressed Concrete) Bridge Design Manual
J. A. VanLund Sign Supports, Light Standards, Traffic Signal Supports Repairs to Damaged Prestressed Girder Bridges P. T. Clarke Floating Bridges
Special Structures
P65:DP/BDM1
General Information Design Procedures and Processes 1.3 Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Process for WSDOT Bridge Designs
1.3.0 General
A. The QA/QC process for bridge designs is a critical element of quality structure plan preparation.
The overall goals of the structural design process are:
• The structural design maximizes the safety of the traveling public and is in accordance with State Law.
• The structural design is in accordance with the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications, good structural engineering practice, and geometric criteria provided by the Region.
• Designed structures are durable, low-maintenance, and inspectable.
• The structural design facilitates constructibility and minimizes overall construction costs, while exhibiting a pleasing architectural style.
• The structural design contract documents are produced in accordance with customer’s needs (schedule, construction staging, and available program funding).
• Structural design costs are minimized.
• A well-organized and readable structure calculation record is produced.
• Plan quality is maximized.
• Design process allows for change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The overall goals are listed in order of importance. If there is a conflict between goals, the more important goal takes precedence.
The design unit manager determines project assignments and the QC/QA process to be used in preparation of the structural design. The intent of the QC/QA process is to facilitate production efficiency and cost-effectiveness while assuring the structural integrity of the design and maximizing the quality of the structure contract documents.
1.3.1 Design/Check Procedures
A. PS&E Prepared by WSDOT Bridge and Structures Office 1. Design Team
The design team, consisting of the Designer(s), Checker(s), Structural Detailer(s), and Specifica-tion and Estimate engineer are responsible for preparing a set of contractible, clear, and concise structural contract documents by the scheduled date and within the workforce hours allotted for the project. On large projects, the design unit manager may assign a designer additional duties as a Design Team Leader to assist the manager in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the activities of the design team. In this case, the team leader would also coordinate with the Region and the Geotechnical Branch.
The QC/QA process will likely vary depending on the type and complexity of the structure being
General Information Design Procedures and Processes 2. Designer Responsibility
The designer is responsible for the structural analysis, completeness, correctness, and quality of the plans. The designer shall provide quality control in the process of plan preparation. That is, errors and omissions need to be caught and corrected before subsequent checking and review of plans. A good set of example plans to follow, representative of bridge type, is indispensable in this regard.
During the design phase of a project, the designer will need to communicate with other stakeholders. This includes acquiring, finalizing or revising roadway geometrics, soil reports, hydraulics recommendations, and utility requirements. Constructibility issues may also require that the designer communicate with the Region or Construction Office. The bridge plans must be coordinated with the PS&E packages produced concurrently by the Region.
The designer or team leader is responsible for project planning which involves the following:
a. Prepare a Design Time Estimate Bar Chart (see Section 1.5.2).
b. Identify tasks and plan order of work.
c. Prepare design criteria, which should be included in the design calculations. Use Standard Design Criteria Form, 1.3-A1-1 for routine projects. A project specific design criteria should be made when appropriate. Compare tasks with BDM office practice and AASHTO bridge design specifications.
(1) Sufficient guidelines?
(2) Deviation from BDM/AASHTO?
(3) Any question on design approach?
(4) Deviation from office practices regarding design and details?
(5) Other differences.
d. Meet with the Region design staff and other project stakeholders early in the design process to resolve as many issues as possible before proceeding with final design and detailing.
e. Identify coordination needs with other designers, units, and offices.
f. Early in the project, determine the number and titles of sheets. For projects with multiple bridges, each set of bridge sheets should have a unique set of bridge sheet numbers.
The bridge sheet numbering system should be coordinated with the Region design staff.
g. At least monthly or as directed by the design unit manager:
(1) Update Project Schedule and List of Sheets.
(2) Estimate percent complete.
(3) Estimate time to complete.
(4) Work with design unit manager to adjust resources, if necessary.
h. Develop preliminary quantities for 90 percent complete cost estimate.
General Information Design Procedures and Processes i. Near end of project:
(1) Keep track of sheets as they are completed.
(2) Develop quantities and special provisions checklists that are to be turned in with the plans.
(3) Prepare Bar List.
(4) Enter information into the Bridge Design Record.
(5) Coordinate all final changes, including review comments from the checker, managers, specialists, the Region, and the Construction Office.
(6) Meet with Region design staff and other project stakeholders at the constructibility meeting to address final project coordination issues.
The designer shall advise and get the design unit manager’s approval whenever details deviate from the BDM office practice and AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications. The designer shall provide documentation of the structural design deviations in the calculations.
The designer should inform the design unit manager of any areas of the design which should receive special attention during checking and review.
The design calculations are prepared by the designer and become a very important record document. Design calculations will be a reference document during the construction of the structure and throughout the life of the structure. It is critical that the design calculations be user friendly. The design calculations shall be well organized, clear, properly referenced, and include numbered pages along with a table of contents. The design calculations shall be archived. Computer files should be archived for use during construction, in the event that changed conditions arise. Archive-ready design and check calculations shall be bound and submitted to the design unit manager within 30 days of submitting the 100 percent PS&E.
Calculations shall be stored in the design unit until completion of construction. After construction, they shall be sent to archives.
The designer is also responsible for resolving construction problems referred to the Bridge Office during the life of the contract. These issues will generally be referred through the Bridge Technical Advisor, the design unit manager, the Construction Support Unit, or the OSC Construction Unit.
3. Design Checker Responsibility
The checker is responsible to the design unit manager for “quality assurance” of the structural design, which includes checking the design and plans to assure accuracy and constructibility.
The design unit manager works with the checker to establish the level of checking. The checking procedure for assuring the quality of the design will vary from project to project. Following are some general checking guidelines:
a. Design Calculations
(1) For designs checked by an experienced checker, a review and initialing of the designer’s
General Information Design Procedures and Processes (2) For designs checked by an inexperienced checker, a more thorough check should be
General Information Design Procedures and Processes (2) For designs checked by an inexperienced checker, a more thorough check should be