SECTION 2 (SI): GENERAL DESIGN AND LOCATION FEATURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 DEFINITIONS....................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 LOCATION FEATURES ...................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.3.1 Route Location............................................................................................................................................. 2-3
2.3.1.1 General............................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.3.1.2 Waterway and Floodplain Crossings ................................................................................................. 2-3
2.3.2 Bridge Site Arrangement ............................................................................................................................. 2-4
2.3.2.1 General............................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2.2 Traffic Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2.2.1 Protection of Structures ........................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2.2.2 Protection of Users .................................................................................................................. 2-5
2.3.2.2.3 Geometric Standards................................................................................................................ 2-5
2.3.2.2.4 Road Surfaces .......................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.3.2.2.5 Vessel Collisions ..................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.3.3 Clearances.................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.3.3.1 Navigational....................................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.3.3.2 Highway Vertical............................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.3.3.3 Highway Horizontal........................................................................................................................... 2-6
2.3.3.4 Railroad Overpass.............................................................................................................................. 2-6
2.3.4 Environment................................................................................................................................................. 2-7
2.4 FOUNDATION INVESTIGATION...................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.4.1 General......................................................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.4.2 Topographic Studies .................................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.5 DESIGN OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.5.1 Safety ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-7
2.5.2 Serviceability ............................................................................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.2.1 Durability........................................................................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.2.1.1 Materials .................................................................................................................................. 2-8
2.5.2.1.2 Self-Protecting Measures......................................................................................................... 2-8
2.5.2.2 Inspectability...................................................................................................................................... 2-9
2.5.2.3 Maintainability................................................................................................................................... 2-9
2.5.2.4 Rideability ......................................................................................................................................... 2-9
2.5.2.5 Utilities .............................................................................................................................................. 2-9
2.5.2.6 Deformations ................................................................................................................................... 2-10
2.5.2.6.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 2-10
2.5.2.6.2 Criteria for Deflection............................................................................................................ 2-11
2.5.2.6.3 Optional Criteria for Span-to-Depth Ratios ........................................................................... 2-13
2.5.2.7 Consideration of Future Widening................................................................................................... 2-14
2.5.2.7.1 Exterior Beams on Multibeam Bridges.................................................................................. 2-14
2.5.2.7.2 Substructure ........................................................................................................................... 2-14
2.5.3 Constructibility .......................................................................................................................................... 2-14
2.5.4 Economy .................................................................................................................................................... 2-15
2.5.4.1 General............................................................................................................................................. 2-15
2.5.4.2 Alternative Plans.............................................................................................................................. 2-15
2.5.5 Bridge Aesthetics....................................................................................................................................... 2-16
2.6 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS ................................................................................................................ 2-17
2.6.1 General....................................................................................................................................................... 2-17
2.6.2 Site Data..................................................................................................................................................... 2-18
2.6.3 Hydrologic Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 2-19
2.6.4 Hydraulic Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 2-20
2.6.4.1 General............................................................................................................................................. 2-20
2.6.4.2 Stream Stability................................................................................................................................ 2-20
2.6.4.3 Bridge Waterway ............................................................................................................................. 2-21
2.6.4.4 Bridge Foundations.......................................................................................................................... 2-21

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