Bridge Design Guidelines

The guidelines on these pages reflect the latest AASHTO LRFD Specifications; updated sections are published as they become available. In the meantime, older sections of the guidelines remain available and are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Table of Contents

Section 1: General*

Section 2: General Design and Location Features*

Section 3: Load and Load Factors*

Section 4: Structural Analysis and Design Methods*

Section 5: Concrete Structures

Section 6: Steel Structures

Section 9: Decks and Deck Systems

Section 10: Foundations

Section 11: Retaining Walls and Sound Barrier Walls*

Section 13: Railings

Section 14: Joints and Bearings

Section 15: Traffic Structures*

Section 16: Bridge Construction*

2023 Archived BDG Sections

Appendix A: Draft LRFD Examples

A1.1: Single-Span Cast-in-Place Post-Tensioned Concrete Box Girder Bridge

A1.2: Two-Span Cast-in-Place Post-Tensioned Concrete Box Girder Bridge

A1.3: Three-Span Precast Prestressed Box Beam Bridge

A1.4: Two-Span Precast Prestressed I-Girder Bridge

A2.1: Full Height Abutment on Spread Footing

A2.2: Two-Column Pier on Drilled Shafts

A2.3: Hammerhead Pier on Spread Footing