Austroads Guide Bridge Technology Part5 AGBT05 09

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GUIDE TO BRIDGE TECHNOLOGY
Part 5: Structural Drafting

Guide to Bridge Technology
Guide to Bridge Technology Part 5: Structural Drafting
Summary
Part 5 of the Guide to Bridge Technology – Structural Drafting sets out the principles involved in
the presentation of bridge structural drawings and is intended to give engineers and draft persons
at all levels a sound guide in drafting presentation and information.
The Guide covers a variety of principles used within bridge structural drafting practice including line
work, text and dimensions, scales, definitions, drawing order and numbering, use of abbreviations
and symbols, and concrete and reinforcement detailing.
Keywords
Sketches, detailed design drawings, fabrication drawings, dimensions, symbols, patterns, setting
out, cover sheet, general arrangement, footings, piles, concrete detailing, reinforcement detailing,
structural steel detailing, vertical alignment, horizontal alignment.
First Published June 2009
© Austroads Inc. 2009
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may
be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of Austroads.
ISBN 978-1-921551-39-0
Austroads Project No. TP1564
Austroads Publication No. AGBT05/09
Project Manager
Mark Bennett, RTA NSW
Prepared by
Matthew Thompson
Published by Austroads Incorporated

Level 9, Robell House
287 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9264 7088
Fax: +61 2 9264 1657
Email: austroads@austroads.com.au
www.austroads.com.au
This Guide is produced by Austroads as a general guide. Its application is discretionary. Road
authorities may vary their practice according to local circumstances and policies.
Austroads believes this publication to be correct at the time of printing and does not accept
responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of information herein. Readers should
rely on their own skill and judgement to apply information to particular issues.
Guide to Bridge Technology
Sydney 2009
Austroads profile
Austroads’ purpose is to contribute to improved Australian and New Zealand transport outcomes
by:
providing expert advice to SCOT and ATC on road and road transport issues
facilitating collaboration between road agencies
promoting harmonisation, consistency and uniformity in road and related operations
undertaking strategic research on behalf of road agencies and communicating outcomes
promoting improved and consistent practice by road agencies.
Austroads membership
Austroads membership comprises the six state and two territory road transport and traffic
authorities, the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development
and Local Government in Australia, the Australian Local Government Association, and NZ
Transport Agency. Austroads is governed by a council consisting of the chief executive officer (or
an alternative senior executive officer) of each of its eleven member organisations:
Roads and Traffic Authority New South Wales
Roads Corporation Victoria
Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland
Main Roads Western Australia
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure South Australia
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources Tasmania
Department of Planning and Infrastructure Northern Territory
Department of Territory and Municipal Services Australian Capital Territory
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Australian Local Government Association
New Zealand Transport Agency.
The success of Austroads is derived from the collaboration of member organisations and others in
the road industry. It aims to be the Australasian leader in providing high quality information, advice
and fostering research in the road sector.
GUIDE TO BRIDGE TECHNOLOGY PART 5: STRUCTURAL DRAFTING
CONTENTS
1 SCOPE AND GENERAL................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Scope.............................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Application ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Guide Structure............................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Types of Drawings ........................................................................................................ 10
1.5.1 Sketches ......................................................................................................... 10
1.5.2 Detailed Design Drawings .............................................................................. 10
1.5.3 Fabrication Drawings (Shop Drawing) ............................................................ 10
1.5.4 Works-as-Executed Drawings (As-Built Drawings or As-Constructed)........... 11
2 GENERAL APPLICATIONS ........................................................................................ 19
2.1 Line Work...................................................................................................................... 19
2.2 Text............................................................................................................................... 19
2.3 Dimensions ................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.1 Dimension Lines, Projection Lines and Leader Lines ..................................... 19
2.4 Order of Dimensioning.................................................................................................. 20
2.5 Scales ........................................................................................................................... 20
2.6 Drawing Order .............................................................................................................. 20
2.6.1 General ........................................................................................................... 20
2.6.2 Drawing Numbering ........................................................................................ 21
2.6.3 Title Blocks ..................................................................................................... 22
2.6.4 Titles and Sub-titles ........................................................................................ 22
2.7 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 23
2.7.1 Standard Abbreviations .................................................................................. 23
2.7.2 Acceptable Abbreviations ............................................................................... 23
2.7.3 Other Abbreviations ........................................................................................ 26
2.8 Symbols and Patterns................................................................................................... 26
2.8.1 Patterns .......................................................................................................... 26
2.8.2 Use of Symbols............................................................................................... 30
2.8.3 Welding........................................................................................................... 30
2.9 Notes and References .................................................................................................. 30
2.9.1 General Notes or Drawing Specific Notes ...................................................... 30
2.9.2 Particular Notes .............................................................................................. 31
2.10 Conventions.................................................................................................................. 31
2.10.1 Cross-referencing ........................................................................................... 31
2.10.2 Orientation of Views and Sections.................................................................. 32
2.11 Setting Out.................................................................................................................... 33
2.11.1 Chainage, Compass Bearing, Coordinates .................................................... 33
2.11.2 Survey Marks.................................................................................................. 34
2.11.3 Reduced Levels (Heights) .............................................................................. 34
3 PARTICULAR APPLICATIONS................................................................................... 35
3.1 Cover Sheet.................................................................................................................. 35
3.1.1 Information Shown.......................................................................................... 35
3.2 General Arrangement ................................................................................................... 40
3.2.1 General ........................................................................................................... 40
3.2.2 Plan View........................................................................................................ 40
3.2.3 Elevation ......................................................................................................... 41
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3.2.4 Typical Cross-section ..................................................................................... 42

3.2.5 Vertical and Horizontal Alignment Diagrams .................................................. 42
3.2.6 Skew Diagrams............................................................................................... 44
3.2.7 General Notes................................................................................................. 44
3.3 Footings and Piles ........................................................................................................ 50
3.3.1 General ........................................................................................................... 50
3.3.2 Piles ................................................................................................................ 50
3.3.3 Pile Setting Out............................................................................................... 51
3.3.4 Spread Footings/Footings............................................................................... 53
3.3.5 Footing Setting Out......................................................................................... 53
3.3.6 Rock Anchors ................................................................................................. 54
3.4 Concrete Detailing ........................................................................................................ 54
3.4.1 General ........................................................................................................... 54
3.4.2 Holes in Concrete, Cast-in Items .................................................................... 54
3.4.3 Dimensioning .................................................................................................. 55
3.4.4 Plan View........................................................................................................ 55
3.4.5 Elevation ......................................................................................................... 56
3.4.6 Section............................................................................................................ 57
3.4.7 Construction Joints ......................................................................................... 58
3.5 Concrete Reinforcement Detailing................................................................................ 59
3.5.1 General ........................................................................................................... 59
3.5.2 Detailing of Reinforcement ............................................................................. 59
3.5.3 Labelling Principles......................................................................................... 63
3.6 Structural Steel Detailing .............................................................................................. 70
3.6.1 General ........................................................................................................... 70
3.6.2 Standard Items ............................................................................................... 70
3.6.3 Non-standard Items ........................................................................................ 70
3.6.4 Closing Dimensions ........................................................................................ 70
3.6.5 Protective Treatment ...................................................................................... 71
REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 72
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TABLES
Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance ..................................................................... 3
Table 2.1: Order of drawings ........................................................................................... 21
Table 2.2: Metric abbreviations........................................................................................ 23
Table 2.3: Acceptable abbreviations................................................................................ 24
Table 2.4: Coordinates .................................................................................................... 34
FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Bridge components........................................................................................... 9
Figure 1.2: RTA – Concept sketch.................................................................................... 12
Figure 1.3: DTEI – Concept design – general arrangement ............................................. 13
Figure 1.4: DTEI – Concept design – details .................................................................... 14
Figure 1.5: QDMR – Preliminary general arrangement .................................................... 15
Figure 1.6: RTA – Proposal sketch ................................................................................... 16
Figure 1.7: VicRoads – Concept general arrangement – Part 1 ....................................... 17
Figure 1.8: VicRoads – Concept general arrangement – Part 2 ....................................... 18
Figure 2.1: Scale bars....................................................................................................... 20
Figure 2.2: Sub-titles......................................................................................................... 23
Figure 2.3: Hatching and patterns – 1............................................................................... 27
Figure 2.6: Note leader convention................................................................................... 31
Figure 2.7: Cross-referencing ........................................................................................... 31
Figure 2.8: Compass bearing............................................................................................ 33
Figure 3.1: DTEI – Cover sheet ........................................................................................ 36
Figure 3.2: QDMR – Cover sheet ..................................................................................... 37
Figure 3.3: RTA – Cover sheet ......................................................................................... 38
Figure 3.4: VicRoads – Cover sheet ................................................................................. 39
Figure 3.5: Vertical alignment diagram ............................................................................. 43
Figure 3.6: Horizontal alignment diagram ......................................................................... 43
Figure 3.7: Skew diagrams ............................................................................................... 44
Figure 3.8: DTEI – General arrangement ......................................................................... 45
Figure 3.9: RTA – General arrangement .......................................................................... 46
Figure 3.10: VicRoads – General arrangement .................................................................. 47
Figure 3.11: QDMR – General arrangement – Sheet 1 ...................................................... 48
Figure 3.12: QDMR – General arrangement – Sheet 2 ...................................................... 49
Figure 3.13: Pile layout – bearing and offsets..................................................................... 51
Figure 3.14: Pile layout – pile coordinates .......................................................................... 52
Figure 3.15: Piles in a group ............................................................................................... 52
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Figure 3.16: Footing layout ................................................................................................. 53

Figure 3.17: Plan view ........................................................................................................ 56
Figure 3.18: Elevation ......................................................................................................... 56
Figure 3.19: Section 1......................................................................................................... 57
Figure 3.20: Section 4......................................................................................................... 58
Figure 3.21: Reinforcement label........................................................................................ 59
Figure 3.22: Set of bars ...................................................................................................... 60
Figure 3.23: Grade 250 label .............................................................................................. 60
Figure 3.24: Plain round bar label....................................................................................... 60
Figure 3.25: Labelling sequence – 1................................................................................... 61
Figure 3.26: Labelling sequence – 2................................................................................... 62
Figure 3.27: Non-standard label ......................................................................................... 63
Figure 3.28: Elevation, plan and view – Detail principle ..................................................... 63
Figure 3.29: Elevation, plan and view – Detail principle (variable bars).............................. 64
Figure 3.30: Typical detailing for elevation, plan and view ................................................. 65
Figure 3.31: Typical detailing for section – 1 ...................................................................... 66
Figure 3.34: Incorrect detailing of a bar next to a view ....................................................... 68
Figure 3.35: Typical lap detail ............................................................................................. 68
Figure 3.36: Typical lap detail – useful for confined areas.................................................. 68
Figure 3.37: Typical cranked lap detail ............................................................................... 69
Figure 3.38: Reinforcing bars in a bundle ........................................................................... 69
Figure 3.39: Typical detailing for bar bundles ..................................................................... 69
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1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 Scope
This Guide details the principles required in the presentation of bridge structural drawings.
The Guide is intended to cover the most common bridge information used, giving engineers and
drafting persons at all levels of experience, a sound guide in drafting presentation and information.
For more detailed information, the relevant state road authority should be contacted to ascertain
their requirements in the production of bridge structural drawings.
The Guide will cover a variety of areas within bridge structural drafting based on drafting principles
such as the following:
line work, text and dimensions
scales
definitions
drawing order and numbering
use of abbreviations and symbols
concrete and reinforcement detailing.
1.2 Application
The information contained in this Guide is intended for adoption by engineers and drafting persons
throughout the industry. The Guide is intended for a common practice basis and to promote a
consistency in application throughout the industry.
1.3 Guide Structure

The Austroads Guide to Bridge Technology is published in seven Parts and addresses a range of
bridge technology issues, each of which is summarised below.
Part 1: Introduction and Bridge Performance

This Part covers the scope of the Guide to Bridge Technology, includes factors affecting
bridge performance, the relationship to the bridge design standards, and an understanding of
the evolution of bridges and bridge loadings. Technical and non-technical design influences
are also discussed along with the evolution of bridge construction methods and equipment.
Specifications and quality assurance in bridge construction are also included in this Part.
Part 2: Materials
The full range of bridge building materials is discussed in Part 2 including concrete, steel,
timber and non-metallic components. It also discusses the material characteristics including
the individual stress mechanisms.
Part 3: Typical Superstructures, Substructures and Components

Included in discussion in this Part are superstructure and substructure components – namely
timber, steel, wrought iron, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete. Typical bridge types such
as suspension, cable stayed and arched types are discussed. Included in this Part is a
section on bridge foundations.
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Part 4: Design Procurement and Concept Design

In this Part, coverage includes bridge design process procurement models, specification
requirements, design and delivery management processes, design checking and review
concepts, the use of standardised components, aesthetics/architectural requirements,
standard presentation of drawings and reports, designing for constructability and
maintenance. The service life of the structure and components, mining and subsidence, flood
plains, bridge loadings, and geotechnical and environmental considerations are also
discussed.

This Part covers the detailed drawing aspects required to clearly convey to the
consultant/construction contractor the specifics of the project. It discusses the various
standards including details required for cost estimating and material quantities. Coverage
also includes reinforcement identification details.
Part 6: Bridge Construction

This Part provides guidance to the bridge owner's representative on site and focuses on
bridge technology, high-risk construction processes e.g. piling, pre-stressing, and the
relevant technical surveillance requirements during the construction phase. Bridge geometry,
the management of existing road traffic and temporary works are also discussed in this Part.
Part 7: Maintenance and Management of Existing Bridges

Maintenance issues for timber, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, steel, wrought and cast
iron bridges are discussed in this Part. Other bridge components including bridge bearings
and deck joints are also referred to. This Part also covers the monitoring, inspection and
management of bridge conditions.
1.4 Definitions
Table 1.1 lists a number of definitions provided for guidance and shall be used in preference to
other terms. See Figure 1.1 for a diagrammatic view of a bridge structure showing bridge
components and definitions.
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Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance
Term Definition
abutment An end support of a bridge or similar structure
alignment The geometric form of the centreline (or other reference line) of a carriageway in both the horizontal and
vertical directions
Horizontal – plan geometry of road/design
Vertical – elevation geometry of road/design
approaches A relatively short length of carriageway leading up to a bridge, including embankment, pavement and
safety barriers
approach slab A reinforced concrete slab supported on the abutment or deck and the approach fill
asphalt A mixture of bituminous binder and aggregate with or without a mineral filler, produced hot in a mixing
plant, which is delivered, spread and compacted while hot. (Used as a road surface)
Australian height datum A level datum, uniform throughout Australia, based on an origin determined from observations of mean
sea level at tide gauge stations, located at more than 30 points along the Australian coastline
back fill Fill placed in an excavation
back wall A narrow reinforced concrete wall, forming part of the abutment to prevent the earth fill reaching the
abutment sill and bearings (See curtain wall, fender wall, ballast wall)
ballast wall A narrow reinforced concrete wall, forming part of the abutment to prevent the earth fill reaching the
abutment sill and bearings (See curtain wall, fender wall, back wall)
bar mark A label given to a reinforcement bar for the purposes of identification
barrier An obstruction placed to prevent vehicle access to a particular area
base centreline The pegged centreline of the road alignment
batter 1. The uniform side slope of walls, banks, cuttings, etc. Usually expressed as a ratio of horizontal to
vertical e.g. 2 to 1, 1.5 to 1
2. The amount of such slope or rake, usually expressed as a ratio of horizontal to vertical, distinct from
grade
3. To form a uniform side slope to a wall, bank, or cutting
beam A load bearing member which supports the deck of a bridge (See girder)
bearing (structural) A device for transmitting horizontal and vertical forces of a bridge superstructure to the supporting
structure
bearing (surveying) The bearing of a straight line is the angle measured clockwise from grid north to the subject line and is
given in degrees, minutes and seconds.
The bearing of the Control Line shall always be given in the direction of increasing chainage along the
line
bench mark A defined mark of a permanent nature, the level of which, relative to some datum, has been determined
or assumed and to which the level of other points may be related
blinding (preliminary A layer of lean mass concrete placed on soil to provide a clean bed for reinforced concrete work
concrete)
bore (bore hole, drill hole) A hole produced in the ground by drilling or driving for geotechnical investigation
box culvert A culvert of rectangular cross-section

bridge A structure designed to carry a road or path over an obstacle by spanning it
bundle mark A label given to a bundle/group of reinforcement bars for the purposes of identification
carriageway The portion of road or bridge devoted particularly to use by vehicles, inclusive of shoulders and auxiliary
lanes
cast-in-place Concrete which is cast directly into its final position
centreline The line which defines the axis or alignment of the centre of a road or other work. It may be defined by
pavement markings on a road delineating opposing traffic flows
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Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance (Continued)
Term Definition
chainage The distance of a point along a control line, measured horizontally from a datum point
concrete A mixture of fine and coarse aggregate, water, cement and admixtures
construction joint A joint made during the placement of concrete or pavement base material to divide the work into parts
for convenience during construction or to provide for unavoidable interruption to placing
contours Lines on a map or plan joining all points of the same level
contraction joint A provision made in a structure or pavement to allow contraction of components, induced by
temperature change or other causes, to occur in a controlled manner (e.g. a groove in concrete)
contract level The level shown on the drawings representing the extent of the work in the piles and footings (e.g. toe of
a pile)
control line A line, generally at or near the centre line of a road, on which design is based and from which
measurements for setting out construction may be conveniently made
coordinates Distances measured in a certain way from fixed straight lines which intersect at the origin – used to
locate points. Systems include MGA and ISG (Section 2.7)
cover 1. The depth of material between the surface of the ground or pavement and the top of a culvert or pipe
2. The thickness of concrete between a reinforcing bar, tendon or duct, and the nearest surface of a
concrete member
3. The depth of material over the subgrade or any layer in the pavement structure
crossfall The slope, measured at right angles to the alignment, of the surface of any part of a carriageway (shown
as a percentage e.g. 3.0%)
cross beam Transverse beam, used to support longitudinal members, such as girders, planks, stringers, etc.
cross girder
cross head Part of a pier or abutment that supports the superstructure (See sill beam, headstock)
culvert One or more adjacent pipes or enclosed channels for conveying surface water or a stream below
formation level
curtain wall A narrow reinforced concrete wall, forming part of the abutment to prevent the earth fill reaching the
abutment sill and bearings (See back wall, ballast wall, fender wall)
cut The depth from the natural surface of the ground to the subgrade level
datum A defined horizontal or level plane to which the relative elevations of other points may be referred
deck The bridge floor directly carrying traffic loads
deck units Load bearing deck members which comprise the bridge deck
designed surface level A required level of the road as a basis for construction which is generally located on a control line, such
as a base centreline, a true centreline or other nominated line
design load The load distribution, or combination of loads, for which a structure is designed
design standard Identifies particular standards used in the design
diaphragm A transverse stiffening member between girder webs or inside a hollow pier (See end beam)
discharge The volumetric rate of waterflow
earthworks 1. All operations involved in loosening, removing, depositing, shaping and compacting soil or rock
2. The structure resulting from this operation
elevation A view through a vertical plan, viewed at a right angle to the object
end beam A transverse stiffening member between girder webs or inside a hollow pier (See definition of
diaphragm)
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Term Definition
end of deck The back face of the curtain wall or back wall (if wall extends to the design surface level) or the end
of superstructure when the approach slab sits above the curtain. As shown below.
epoxy cement A non-shrink synthetic epoxy cement mortar

expansion joint A joint provided to allow relative movement to occur and to prevent the build-up of stresses due to
expansion. May be of various types depending on the movement to be accommodated and shall be
a watertight seal to prevent ingress of water to the substructure
existing surface level The surface of the earth formation existing at the bridge site prior to construction
fender wall A narrow reinforced concrete wall, forming part of the abutment to prevent the earth fill reaching the
abutment sill and bearings (See back wall, ballast wall, curtain wall)
fill 1. The depth from the subgrade level to the natural surface
2. That portion of road where the formation is above the natural surface
3. The material placed in an embankment
footing The widening at the base of a structure (pier, abutment, etc.) to spread the load above to the
foundation material
formwork Temporary structure of timber, metal or other material comprising the moulds in which concrete is
formed to the desired shape
foundations The soil or rock upon which a structure rests
gabion A wire basket filled with stones used to retain earth or to control scour
girder A load bearing member which supports the deck of a bridge
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Term Definition
gradient The longitudinal slope of a road or path, usually represented as the ratio of a one metre rise to the
horizontal distance (e.g. 1 : 50), or expressed as a percentage (e.g. 2%)
Grid A coordinate reference system used in surveying

ground level The reduced level of any particular point on the surface of the ground
grouting The operation of pouring or forcing binders such as cement grout into the interstices of a structure
guardrail A rail erected to restrain vehicles that are out of control
headstock Part of a pier or abutment that supports the superstructure (See sill beam, cross head)
head wall A retaining wall at the end of a culvert
height A level relative to an agreed datum (See reduced level)
hog The vertical deflection caused by the application of prestress in prestressed concrete members
invert The lowest portion of the internal surface of a drain or culvert
kerb A raised border of rigid material formed at the edge of a carriageway, pavement or bridge
mass concrete Unreinforced concrete, usually of low strength and having a large maximum aggregate size normally
placed in large masses such as gravity retaining walls, and bridge abutments
median A strip of road, not normally intended for use by traffic, which separates carriageways for traffic in
opposite directions. Usually formed by painted lines, kerbed and paved areas, grassed areas, etc.
mortar 1. A mixture of cement and/or lime and sand with water
2. A mixture of fine aggregate with an epoxy compound or other binder
obvert The highest portion of the internal surface of a drain or culvert
overlay The addition of pavement material to a bridge deck to provide a wearing surface
overpass A grade separation where the subject carriageway passes over an intersecting carriageway or railway
parapet A raised kerb with a profile and height sufficient to prevent vehicles leaving the carriageway, formed at
the edge of a carriageway, usually on a bridge or similar structure
pier 1. An intermediate support in a bridge having more than one span
2. Part of the substructure supporting the superstructure and transferring the loads to the foundations
pile A slender member driven, jetted, screwed, or formed in the ground to resist loads
pile cap A structural member designed to connect and distribute loads from the above structure to a group of
piles
plank A load bearing member which supports or forms part of the deck of a bridge
plinth 1. A low level barrier subjected to repeated flooding (also known as a castellated kerb)
2. A concrete member raised above the surrounding concrete
post-tensioning A method of prestressing in which tendons are tensioned after the concrete has hardened
prestressed concrete (PSC) Concrete in which effective internal stresses are introduced, usually by means of steel tendons
pretensioning A method of prestressing in which tendons are tensioned before the concrete is placed (e.g. Super T
Girders, Deck Units)
reduced level A level relative to an agreed datum (See height)
reinforced concrete Concrete strengthened within its mass by steel bars, or mesh
reinforcement Bars, or mesh, usually steel, embedded in concrete, masonry, or brickwork, for the purpose of resisting
particular stresses (e.g. tensile, temperature related, etc.)
reinforced soil wall (RSW) A method of constructing retaining walls in which fill is retained by vertical steel or concrete units
anchored by friction into the fill by means of galvanised steel strips
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Term Definition
running surface That part of the pavement specifically designed to resist abrasion from traffic and to minimise the entry
of water (See wearing surface)
safety barrier A physical barrier separating roadside hazards or opposing traffic and the travelled way, designed to
resist penetration by an out-of-control vehicle and as far as practicable, to stop or redirect colliding
vehicles
safety screen A screen barrier usually placed behind a bridge safety barrier, designed to prevent objects being thrown
to the carriageway which is being spanned
screed The operation of forming a surface by use of screeds to impart a grade for directing waterflow in small
areas (e.g. landings)
setting out line A straight reference line between known fixed points from which a bridge/structure can be set out
settlement A downward movement of the soil or of the structure it supports

side wall A thin wall which extends upwards from the side of a pier or abutment, to either hide deck joints from
view, or to retain a batter from filling on to an abutment sill.
sill beam Part of a pier or abutment that supports the superstructure (See headstock, cross head)
skew angle The angle between a line at right angles to the control line/setting out line and the pier or abutment
slope The inclination of a surface with respect to the horizontal and can be expressed as a ratio (e.g. 1:50), or
expressed as a percentage (e.g. 2%)
span length 1. End spans – the distance between the end of the superstructure and the centre of the nearest pier
2. Intermediate spans – the distance between the centres of piers
Note: for design purposes the span length is the length between centres of supports
strand A product consisting of two or more wires spun together in a helical form. Usually bundled together to
form a tendon
subgrade The trimmed or prepared portion of the formation on which the pavement is constructed. Generally
taken to relate to the upper line of the formation
substructure In a bridge, the piers and abutments (including wing walls) which support the superstructure
superelevation A slope on a curved pavement selected so as to enhance forces assisting a vehicle to maintain a
circular path
superstructure That part of a bridge which is supported by the piers and abutments
survey Work performed to record features which are described and presented on a plan
tangent point The point on a centreline where straight and curve meet tangentially
tendon A tension element usually made up of a number of steel strands or wires, used in concrete members, to
impart prestress
traffic barrier railing A railing usually fabricated from steel, consisting of one or more rails, with posts, positioned on a
reinforced concrete barrier/plinth designed to restrict the lateral movement of vehicles
truss A framed structure comprised of steel or timber which acts as a beam
underpass A grade separation where the subject carriageway passes under an intersecting carriageway or railway
waterway area The area of the cross-section of the stream at right angles to the direction of the flow, up to the assumed
flood level
wearing surface That part of the pavement specifically designed to resist abrasion from traffic and to minimise the entry
of water (see running surface)
widening The widening of an existing pavement or carriageway generally without alteration of level
width of carriageway The clear width, measured at right angles to the longitudinal centreline of the bridge or carriageway,
between the inner faces of the traffic barrier or kerb
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Term Definition
wing wall The extension of an abutment wall as in a bridge, or of an end wall in a culvert, used for retaining the
side slopes of earth filling
works-as-executed plans A set of plans on which all variation to the original design, made during construction, are recorded for
(WAE) record purposes. Also referred to as ‘As built’ or ‘As constructed’ drawings
A comprehensive list of definitions can be found in: AS 1348 – Roads and Traffic Engineering –
Glossary of Terms (2002) or Austroads – Glossary of Austroads Terms (2008).
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Source: RTA, NSW (unpublished)
Figure 1.1: Bridge components
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1.5 Types of Drawings

All drawing types produced can be classified as follows:
1.5.1 Sketches
Sketches come in a number of forms depending on their intended use and requirements.
Proposal sketch – This is a plan or set of plans produced to depict what is considered to be the
most appropriate design solution for the planned site. In some cases it may be deemed necessary
to produce a number of alternative design options in order to help the designer receive client
feedback prior to detailed design commencing. A proposal sketch shall contain the following
information:
plan view
elevation
typical cross-section
locality plan (if applicable)
site plan (if applicable)
horizontal alignment diagram (if applicable)
vertical alignment diagram (if applicable)
general notes (if applicable).
A proposal sketch should show all necessary dimensions, notes and components, particular to the
structure.
The Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales (RTA) classifies their proposal sketches into
two types:
Concept sketch (concept drawing) – a development sketch used to help the designer and
client choose the most appropriate structure type for the planned site. An example of a
concept sketch is shown in Figure 1.2.
Proposal sketch (preliminary general arrangement) – is a sketch of what is considered the
most appropriate design and structure type for the planned site. Examples of proposal
sketches are shown in Figure 1.3 to 1.8 inclusive.
A detail sketch can be a sketch or a set of sketches providing details for temporary works to be
carried out on a structure.
1.5.2 Detailed Design Drawings

A detailed design drawing is defined as a drawing depicting all the necessary information required
to construct a structure or any part or component of a structure in accordance with the design.
Detailed design drawings make up a set of plans used to construct a structure.
1.5.3 Fabrication Drawings (Shop Drawing)

A fabrication drawing is defined as a drawing depicting all the necessary information required for
the fabrication of a structural component or components. Also known as shop drawings-fabrication
drawings are intended for use in a fabrication workshop. In some cases fabrication drawings may
be included in a set of construction drawings.
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1.5.4 Works-as-Executed Drawings (As-Built Drawings or As-Constructed)

Works-as-executed drawings are required anytime a departure from the approved design set of
plans is required during construction. All departures shall be clearly recorded on an A1 size set of
plans for record purposes. Each works-as-executed drawing shall have the following information:
date the WAE was issued
a brief description of departures from the approved design
the initials of the engineer responsible for the departures
the initials of the person responsible for recording the departures
the issue shown in the title block shall show ‘WAE’ (‘As-Built’ or ‘As-Constructed’).
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Source: RTA NSW (2007)
Figure 1.2: RTA – Concept sketch
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Source: DTEI (2008)
Figure 1.3: DTEI – Concept design – general arrangement
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Source: DTEI (2008)
Figure 1.4: DTEI – Concept design – details
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Source: QDMR (2000)
Figure 1.5: QDMR – Preliminary general arrangement
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Figure 1.6: RTA – Proposal sketch
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Source: VicRoads n.d.
Figure 1.7: VicRoads – Concept general arrangement – Part 1
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Figure 1.8: VicRoads – Concept general arrangement – Part 2
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2 GENERAL APPLICATIONS
2.1 Line Work
Line work on drawings should generally be in accordance with Table 3.1 in AS 1100 Part 101.
Variations on the theme may be allowed according to the application.
2.2 Text
Though full size drawings are produced for the final design, the minimum text size used should
clearly be read on an A3 size set of plans, however font styles may vary and some examples of
font styles used are listed below:
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, South Australia (DTEI) use the
following text font:
— ISOCP (AutoCAD font) font style for all text
Department of Main Roads, Queensland (QDMR) uses the following text font:
— mr_romans (AutoCAD font) font style with a width factor of 0.8 for all text
The Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales (RTA) uses the following text fonts:
— International ISO (Microstation font) font style for general use and dimensions
— Arial font style for text in the title blocks
Roads Corporation, Victoria (VicRoads) use the following text font:
— StenceQ font from a Microstation resource file
Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) use the following text font:
— ISOCP2 (Autocad font) front style with a width factor of 1.0 for all text.
2.3 Dimensions
Each dimension necessary for the complete definition of a particular element shall be clearly
shown on the drawing and shall be shown only once. The dimensioning of any element shall not
be such, that a dimension relating to that element shall need to be deduced from other dimensions,
nor, that the drawing must be scaled to determine a dimension.
In all cases, dimensions shown on drawings shall be in millimetres and they shall be shown in
accordance with AS 1100 Part 101.
A chain of dimensions shall be covered by an overall dimension except where dimensional

tolerances are of critical importance.
Where practical, dimensions shall be placed using the aligned method with each dimension placed
parallel to its dimension line in order to be read from either the bottom or the right hand side of the
drawing.
2.3.1 Dimension Lines, Projection Lines and Leader Lines

Dimension lines shall not be interrupted for the insertion of dimensions and shall terminate in easily
readable arrowheads or a small circle as appropriate.
Dimension lines shall not be shown as centrelines or as part of an element’s outline.
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Projection lines for dimensions shall extend from a point no less than 2 mm (A1 drawing) from the
surface of the object to a point not less than 2 mm beyond the dimension line. Projection lines
shall, in the majority of cases, be unbroken.
Leader lines for notes shall commence from either the beginning or the end of a note with a short
(minimum length 3 mm) horizontal line before being angled to the point of reference. The
termination of the leader line shall be with an arrow to the outline of the element or a small fully
shaded circle (nominal 3.5 mm diameter – A1 drawing) within the area being noted.
2.4 Order of Dimensioning

All components shall be drawn to an accuracy of 1 mm.
The following order of accuracy shall be used on all drawings:

Concrete dimensions 1 mm
Reinforcing bar spacing 5 mm
Steel plate widths 1 mm
Steel plate lengths 1 mm (as necessary for cambered plates etc.)
Steel sections 0.1 mm (or as shown in manufacturers’ catalogues, etc.).
2.5 Scales
Scale used on drawings will vary in accordance with the size and character of the feature being
detailed or the degree of detailing required.
The scales on all drawings should be drawn to a defined natural scale (A1 drawing) with the scale
to be such, as to be easily read on an A3 size drawing.
Distorted scales should only be used under special circumstances where clarity is the most
important feature.
Quoting a scale as a ratio e.g. 1:100, should not be used. Scales should be displayed as a scale
bar, either below the detail, in the general notes, or in the drawing title block.
Figure 2.1 shows scale bar examples:
Figure 2.1: Scale bars
Drawings shall not contain two scales which are similar, e.g. 1:20 shall not be used on the same
drawing as 1:25.
2.6 Drawing Order

2.6.1 General
The order of the drawings in a set of plans should follow the logical order of the construction
procedure of the structure. Table 2.1 is a typical order of drawing on a structure:
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Table 2.1: Order of drawings

Cover sheet List of drawings, design notes, etc.
General arrangement Overview of work to be carried out.
Piles and pile layout Foundations - the first construction carried out on site.
Abutments (concrete and Substructure - depending on complexity of the abutment, concrete and reinforcement may be separated onto
Reinforcement) individual drawings.
Piers (concrete and Substructure – depending on complexity of the pier, concrete and reinforcement may be separated onto
reinforcement) individual drawings.
Bearings (if applicable) In some cases expansion and contraction of the superstructure may be so small, that bearing strips are used.
Girders (PSC Plank, Super- Superstructure – supporting component of the deck.
T, Deck Units, etc.)
Deck (concrete and Superstructure – contains details on deck geometry, concrete barriers etc. Depending on the complexity of the
reinforcement) deck, concrete and reinforcement should be separated onto individual drawings.
Approach slab Depending on the placement on the abutment the location of this drawing in a set will vary.
Expansion joints (if Superstructure – when expansion and contraction of the superstructure is large enough to require large
applicable) movement joints.
Cover plates (if applicable Used to cover large recesses in concrete barriers.
Barriers (if applicable) Usually made of steel and placed on top of concrete barrier.
Safety screens (if Used if a carriageway under the structure requires protection from fallen debris.
applicable)
Bar shapes A set of shapes, and reinforcement information used to produce the reinforcement for the structure.
The above is only a representative list of drawings showing a generic order of drawings for a
simple bridge structure, this may vary according to the type of structure or the road authority’s
requirements.
2.6.2 Drawing Numbering

All drawings in a set of plans shall be numbered in sequence beginning with the number 1 and
followed with the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.
This drawing numbering should be followed as a general rule; however numbering may vary
depending on which state the plans are prepared in, such as the following:
QDMR obtains drawing numbers in a block set aside for the particular project.
The RTA requires a numerical sequence starting with the Cover Sheet as number 1
(Section 3.1). Blocks of numbers and company reference numbers shall not be used in
identifying drawing numbers.
DPI Northern Territory obtain drawing numbers from their Plan Room.
DTEI SA require a numerical sequence starting with the Cover Sheet as number 1
(Section 3.1).
VicRoads require a numerical sequence starting with the Cover Sheet as number 1
(Section 3.1).
When producing a numbering system for a set of bridge construction plans, the relevant state
authority’s numbering system shall be used.
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2.6.3 Title Blocks

All drawing sheets shall carry a title block and shall adhere to the requirements of each road
authority.
Cover Sheets may or may not require title blocks. This will depend on the road authority.
2.6.4 Titles and Sub-titles

Titles
The title block on every sheet of a set of drawings shall have the same identifying title which
adequately describes the location of the structure site.
The Roads and Traffic Authority also requires the road number and the Local Government Area
name.
The title block of each sheet shall also include a description of the details shown on that sheet, e.g.
piers concrete, piers reinforcement, piers profile.
Where more than one sheet is required to detail a part of a structure, it shall be considered to be a
sheet series and the sheet titles shall reflect the particular situation. Examples of sheet series titles
are:
DTEI SA uses the following labelling system:
— DECK 1
— DECK 2
— DECK 3
The RTA uses the following labelling system:
— DECK CONCRETE – SHEET A
— DECK CONCRETE – SHEET B
— DECK CONCRETE – SHEET C
QDMR uses the following labelling system:
— DECK – SHEET 1
VicRoads uses the following labelling system:
— OVERLAY – PART 1
— OVERLAY – PART 2
— OVERLAY – PART 3.
Sub-titles
A sheet generally comprises several views, sections, details, tables, etc., and each shall be given
an appropriate sub-title, e.g. plan, elevation. (Figure 2.2)
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Figure 2.2: Sub-titles
Elevations, Section, Views and Details shall be identified and cross referenced in accordance with
AS/NZS 1100 Part 501 (2002). For the convention of cross-referencing refer to Section 2.10.1.
2.7 Abbreviations
2.7.1 Standard Abbreviations
A list of standard abbreviations for metric units is shown in Table 2.2. The arrangement of upper
and lower case letters for each abbreviation shall be strictly adhered to.
Table 2.2: Metric abbreviations

Unit Symbol
Degree (angular) …º
Degree (Celsius) ºC
Kilogram kg
Kilometre km
Kilonewton kN
Kilopascal kPa
Megapascal MPa
Metre m
Millimetre mm
Minute (angular) …’
Newton N
Pascal Pa
Radian RAD
Second (angular) …”
Tonne t
2.7.2 Acceptable Abbreviations

A list of acceptable abbreviations for bridge and related structures is given in Table 2.3.
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Table 2.3: Acceptable abbreviations

Unit Symbol
Approximate APPROX
Australian height datum AHD
Average recurrence interval ARI
average AVG
Bench mark BM
Bottom face B
Calculated high flood level CALC HFL
Centre to centre crs
Centreline CL
Chainage CH
Circular hollow section CHS
Construction joint CJ
Countersink CSK
Deck wearing surface DWS
Diameter DIA
Downstream DS or D/S
Drawing DWG
Each face EF
Equal angle EA
Expansion bearing E
Expansion joint EJ
Far face FF
Fixed bearing F
Flat FL
Bolt head HD
Countersunk CSK HD
Cup CUP HD
Hexagon HEX HD
Height HT
High density polyethylene HDPE
High flood level HFL
Hot-dip galvanised GALV
Inside diameter ID
International System of Units SI
Intersection point IP
Maximum MAX
Mean high water MHW
Mean high water springs MHWS
Mean low water MLW
Mean low water springs MLWS
Minimum MIN
Modulus of elasticity E
Near face NF
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Table 2.3: Acceptable abbreviations (Continued)

Unit Symbol
No chamfer or fillet NCF
Nominal NOM
Normal water level NWL
Number No/NO
Parallel flange channel PFC
Percentage %
Permanent mark PM
Pitch circle diameter PCD
Plate PL
Polytetrafluoroe-ethylene PTFE
Polyvinylchloride PVC
Prestressed concrete PSC
Radius R
Rectangular hollow section RHS
Reduced level RL
Reference point RP
Reinforced concrete RC
Reported high flood level REP HFL
Required REQD
Restrained bearing R
Revision REV
Road RD
Spiral SP
Square hollow section SHS
Spiral SP
Station STA
Street ST
Tangent point TP
Taper flange beam TFB
Taper flange channel TFC
Temporary bench mark TBM
Top face T
Typical TYP
Ultimate ULT
Ultimate limit state ULS
Ultimate tensile strength UTS
Unequal angle UA
Universal beam UB
Universal column UC
Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride UPVC
Upstream US or U/S
Vertical curve VC
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2.7.3 Other Abbreviations

The use of abbreviations other than those listed in Table 2.2 and Table 2.3 should be minimised.
However, any other abbreviations used in a drawing, not described in AS 1100, must be listed and
explained in a legend on each drawing where such abbreviations have been used.
2.8 Symbols and Patterns

2.8.1 Patterns
Hatching
Hatching is a useful tool when a component is required to standout or be clearly visible. Hatching
can be displayed by showing either thin lines or shading over an area. When hatching,
consideration about scale, congestion and possible confusion should be taken when drawings are
read at an A3 size. (Figure 2.3, Figure 2.4 and Figure 2.5)
Common hatching used in bridge and related structures should be related back to the relative road
authority.
Material representation
Material representation can be a useful tool when showing the differences between a number of
materials, e.g. mass concrete and reinforced concrete. Material representation can be displayed
by showing a material specific pattern over an area. When using patterns, consideration about
scale, congestion and possible confusion should be taken when drawings are read at an A3 size.
Common material specific patterns used in bridge and related structures should be related back to
the relevant road authority. (Figure 2.3 and Figure 2.5)
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Source: RTA, NSW
Figure 2.3: Hatching and patterns – 1
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Source: RTA NSW
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Source: RTA, NSW
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2.8.2 Use of Symbols

Reference symbols
When considering the use of reference symbols the following points should be taken into account:
The size of the symbol used shall be no less than the size of text it is placed near and should
be easily identifiable when read on an A3 size drawing.
Different symbols shall be used for subsequent references on any drawing.
The reference note shall be located either close to the point of interest, or in the drawing
notes for the same drawing.
Notes to be symbol referenced are to be considered only when deemed necessary, e.g. to
avoid note repetition, or where space is too confined to allow the note to be clearly displayed.
Surface texture of metals

Where on drawings a component’s surface texture for metal work is required to ensure an
acceptable surface finish, the necessary information shall be given by the use of standard symbols
and roughness grade numbers.
All symbols shall be in accordance with AS ISO 1302.
2.8.3 Welding
The necessary information concerning the location, type, size and length of welds in welded joints
and whether the welds are made in the shop or on site shall be given on the drawings with the use
of standard welding symbols.
All welding symbols shall be in accordance with AS 1101.3 (2005).
2.9 Notes and References

Notes on drawings shall be clear and concise with regard to the required information and
instructions.
All lettering shall be in upper case except where standard metric abbreviations dictate otherwise.
2.9.1 General Notes or Drawing Specific Notes

In the general or drawing specific notes, references to the relevant Australian Standards shall be
used. Grade/class of a material or materials shall be noted, e.g. ‘Steel sections shall conform to
AS/NZS 3679.1’.
General Notes or Drawing Specific Notes shall be shown on either the structure component
drawing or on a designated notes sheet.
The practice of locating General Notes or Drawing Specific Notes will vary depending on the State
Authority.
The Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales (RTA) has the following requirements:
Each bridge/structure component drawing, or drawing set, shall contain clear and concise
general notes relating the required information needed to construct the component being
detailed in its entirety. At no such time should a designated notes sheet be created to
contain all notes for a complete set of bridge/structure plans.
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For a component where more than one sheet is required to show adequate details for
construction, the general notes are not required to be produced on each subsequent sheet, a
note referring to the sheet containing these notes is adequate. e.g. ‘For other General Notes
relating to this sheet, see sheet No. X or sheet No. Y’.
2.9.2 Particular Notes

Where a note applies to a particular view, section or detail only, it shall be placed as close as
possible to the point to which it applies and not under General or drawing specific notes, the leader
dimension shall be placed either at the beginning or the end of a note.
Figure 2.6: Note leader convention
2.10 Conventions
2.10.1 Cross-referencing
Where elevations, section, views and details are shown on a different sheet, cross-referencing
shall be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 1100 Part 501. Where a series of sheets is
necessary to adequately detail an element, e.g. Abutments Concrete – Sheet A, Abutments
Concrete – Sheet B, etc., the same section number or detail letter shall not be used more than
once in the sheet series. Typical examples Figure 2.7.
Figure 2.7: Cross-referencing
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2.10.2 Orientation of Views and Sections

Plans and elevations
Plan views shall be drawn horizontally, and, so that the chainage increases from left to right.
Consequently elevations shall be drawn as a view directly in front of the plan view.
Sections
Sections shall be drawn as a view from a cutting plane located through an element previously
drawn as an elevation, plan, section or view.
Generally, only the details at the cutting plane of the section should be shown, however, details
beyond the cutting plane may be included (represented by dotted lines) provided that the included
details are not confusing to the main details being shown.
Sections, where possible, shall be drawn adjacent to the plan or elevation to which they relate.
Sections should be taken looking from the bottom of the drawing to the top.
Sections whether taken looking from right to left or left to right should be consistent in their
direction, sections taken looking in both directions on a drawing should be minimised.
If a series of cutting planes are used to define section details, any change in direction of the cutting
plane shall be shown by thick lines.
Views
Views shall be drawn representing what is seen from outside an element previously drawn as an
elevation, plan or section.
The designation of views shall be numerical with view numbers not replicating any section number
already used.
Details
Where the scale used to draw elements on drawings is too small to adequately show minute
details, the item requiring enlargement shall be enclosed in a circle, or other suitable shape and a
detail mark shall be placed in a convenient location.
Abutments and piers

Abutments and piers are generally drawn so the elevations are shown looking in the direction of
increasing chainage. However, Abutment A contradicts this rule with the elevation shown looking
in the direction of decreasing chainage.
Alternatively, a north point arrow can be shown to indicate the abutment direction in relation to the
bridge structure.
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2.11 Setting Out

2.11.1 Chainage, Compass Bearing, Coordinates
General
The geometry of the road defines the shape of the bridge (more particularly the deck). The
geometry of the deck therefore must be defined before that of the substructure and footings and/or
piles. Road design information and bridge site survey information provide relevant coordinates,
alignment data, etc. Generally setting out is carried out by one of two methods:
alignment method (chainage and offset)
a coordinate system (with current technologies, this is the preferred method).
For structures which have a straight alignment, the setting out should be carried out using the
control line.
Chainages and offsets or, alternatively, coordinates may be used to locate the centre of elements
e.g. spread footings, piles; pier headstocks etc. Dimensions for each element shall be related to
the defined location and shall be normal to the element centreline.
Chainage
Chainages, given along the control line, shall be adopted from the road design and/or site survey
information provided.
Where possible and practical, chainages for the centrelines of piers, bearings etc., shall be given in
metres to the nearest 0.005 metre.
Compass bearing
The bearing of a line is the angle measured clockwise from grid north to the subject line and is
given in degrees, minutes and seconds.
The bearing of the control line shall always be given in the direction of increasing chainage along
the line. The bearing of a line is relative to the station from where it is taken. (Figure 2.8)
Figure 2.8: Compass bearing
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Coordinates
The coordinate system adopted for a project may be an arbitrary local one, ISG (Integrated Survey
Grid), GDA (Geocentric Datum of Australia) or MGA (Map Grid of Australia).
The coordinates are normally quoted in metres to the nearest 0.001 metre. In recording GDA, ISG
and MGA coordinates, the Easting value is always placed before the Northing value.
The following procedure is recommended for the listing of coordinates.
A gap shall be placed between the third and fourth figures, and also between the sixth and seventh
figures from the decimal point to assist in the alignment of figures. (Figure 2.4)
Table 2.4: Coordinates

Location Easting (m) Northing (m)
A5 200 155.161 1 100 115.153
B27 200 311.002 1 100 351.854
B39 200 101.113 1 100 295.695
C11 200 115.354 1 100 015.706
The coordinates shall be obtained from a road design and/or from site survey information.
2.11.2 Survey Marks

Survey Marks or Benchmarks are points located in an area with known survey information, such as
the height datum and coordinate location. This information can either be a localised point with
localised height and coordinate values, or values related to the Australian Height Datum (AHD) and
Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA).
Places, such as the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Northern Territory (DPI), may also
have datum conversions and corrections which must be applied to give correct datum for an area
of interest.
Each state should be consulted for their datum conversions and corrections.
2.11.3 Reduced Levels (Heights)

Reduced levels or heights are used to define heights on a bridge/structure component related to a
relative datum.
Reduced levels shall be shown in metres on all drawings with the following order of accuracy being
used:
Design surface levels 0.001 metres
Contract levels (toe of piles) 0.1 metres
Existing surface levels 0.1 metres
Contours 1.0 or 0.5 metres (dependent upon slope of existing
surface)
Flood and water levels 0.1 metres
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3 PARTICULAR APPLICATIONS
3.1 Cover Sheet
3.1.1 Information Shown
The first sheet of any set of bridge construction plans shall be the ‘Cover Sheet’. The cover sheet
shall be numbered ‘1’ in any set of bridge construction plans.
Note: Where bridge construction plans are an integral component of a set of road construction
plans the bridge construction plans do not require their own cover sheet.
Some examples of cover sheets are shown in Figure 3.1 to Figure 3.4 inclusive.
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Source: DTEI (2008)
Figure 3.1: DTEI – Cover sheet
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Source: QDMR (2000)
Figure 3.2: QDMR – Cover sheet
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Figure 3.3: RTA – Cover sheet
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Figure 3.4: VicRoads – Cover sheet
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3.2 General Arrangement

3.2.1 General
General Arrangement drawings are an important part of a set of bridge construction plans.
The General Arrangement gives the reader an overall view of what the bridge/structure will appear
like once construction has been completed and shall not contain any construction requirement
information or construction sequences. (Figure 3.12)
Depending on the complexity of the bridge/structure and the detail required, multiple sheets may
be used and titled in accordance with Section 2.6.3 Titles and Sub-titles.
The General Arrangement shall generally contain the following information:

plan view
elevation
typical cross-section
horizontal alignment diagram (if applicable)
vertical alignment diagram (if applicable)
skew diagram (if applicable)
site plan (if applicable)
general notes.
3.2.2 Plan View

Plan views are important in showing the reader the location of the bridge/structure and the
surrounding site, which may contain utilities, roads, waterways and other points of interest and
therefore should show adequate details.
Generally plan views shall contain the following information:

the featured obstacle such as, a watercourse, roadway or railway line
the location of public and private utilities
contours of the existing surface (Section 3.2.3 Contours)
the direction of flow or tidal representation of the watercourse
existing structures and the important reduced levels
the design/control line
the chainages and reduced levels on the control line at the ends of the deck, at each pier
centreline and if appropriate at the intersection point between the control line for the
bridge/structure and the centreline of the underlying road or railway line
the bearing or radius of the control line for the controlling geometry of the bridge/structure
coordinates for the intersection point between the control line for the bridge/structure and the
centreline of the underlying road or railway line
the visible lines of the bridge/structure plan view, (e.g. deck and parapets, barriers, abutment
wing walls, approach slabs, etc.)
the outlines of the substructure elements shown in the appropriate line styles
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the shape and slopes of embankments required

extent of any embankment protection required
extent of any channel excavation required
horizontal clearances as required (e.g. distance between new structure and existing
structure)
the location of any vertical clearance referenced from the elevation
the compass direction of true north indicated by the use of a north point.
Contours
A contour is a line derived from the joining of points at the same height above a datum on an
existing surface.
Contours shall be drawn as uniform lines, except under a bridge/structure where the line shall then
be shown as dashed lines. The line thickness shall be shown so as not to distract from the
bridge/structure elements.
The level annotation of each contour shall be shown, at a minimum, once at the end of the contour;
however more level annotations may be shown on the same contour line for easier reading if
deemed necessary due to the complexity of the contour.
The contour intervals should be determined to suit the slope of the existing surface, however for
very steep grades the intervals shall not exceed 1.0 metre and for very flat grades the intervals
shall be no more than 0.25 metres.
3.2.3 Elevation
Elevations are important in showing the reader the location in height of the bridge/structure and the
level of the surrounding site, the locations of roads, waterways and other points of interest and
therefore should show adequate details. The elevation should be placed as a projection above or
below the plan, depending on the road authority method of projection.
Generally elevations shall contain the following information:

the approximate profile of the existing surface directly below the control line, including the
featured obstacle such as, a watercourse, road or railway line
the normal water level or stream condition (e.g. normally dry)
the calculated high flood level – either or both 1 in 100 year ARI and 1 in 2000 ARI values
depending on client requirements. If a reported high flood level is available, this should also
be added along with the date of occurrence
if required the mean high springs and mean low springs for tidal waterways (navigational
clearances must then be shown – calculated from mean high springs)
the visible lines of the bridge/structure as viewed from the side, (e.g. deck and parapets,
barriers, abutment wing walls, piers, etc.)
the outlines of hidden elements shown in the appropriate line styles (e.g. piles, approach
slabs, etc.)
dimensions showing critical lengths (e.g. the number and length of spans, overall length of
deck, etc.)
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the longitudinal grade (e.g. 0.5%), if the deck slope is uniform, or, if a vertical curve a
reduced level shall be shown
vertical and horizontal clearances for bridges over roadways and/or railway lines including an
approximate reduced level at the intersection point between the control line and the
centreline of the underlying road or railway line
form and extent of any embankments and any required embankment protection above or
below the existing surface level
contract levels of all footings or piles
bearing movements (e.g. fixed, free, sliding, etc.), and expansion joints
chainages, existing surface levels and design surface levels at the end of deck and at pier
centrelines on the control line in a datum block beneath the elevation
to/from showing the nearest major towns in both directions from the bridge/structure.
3.2.4 Typical Cross-section

A typical cross-section is important in showing the type of bridge/structure detailed in the set of
bridge construction plans. The section should be drawn in the direction of increasing chainage,
from left to right.
Generally typical cross-sections shall contain the following information:

the type of girder/superstructure elements
deck thickness, parapets/barrier railing (overall height from the wearing surface shall be
shown)
type and thickness of the wearing surface
utilities or any special features
cross fall or super elevation (shown as a percentage on an arrow point down the grade).
the control line
dimensions showing critical widths (e.g. clear distance between parapets/barriers, clear
distance from control line to parapets/barriers, clear distance of footways, etc.)
indication of orientation with respect to stream flow or compass point (e.g. upstream –
downstream, north – south, etc.).
3.2.5 Vertical and Horizontal Alignment Diagrams

Vertical and horizontal alignment diagrams shall be shown when a grade on a vertical alignment or
a constant bearing on a horizontal alignment are not constant, and shall directly relate to the
bridge/structure control line (Figure 3.5 and Figure 3.6).
Generally vertical alignment diagrams shall contain the following information:

the geometry of the curve (e.g. hog or sag curve)
the length of the curve
the grades of the road at each end of the curve (VTP)
the chainage and reduced level at each end of the curve (VTP)
the chainage and reduced level of the intersection point of each grade (VIP)
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the position of the bridge/structure indicated by a filled shape and showing the chainage and
reduced level at each end of the bridge/structure.
Figure 3.5: Vertical alignment diagram
Generally horizontal alignment diagrams shall contain the following information:

the title of the control line (e.g. control line mc01)
the geometry of the alignment over the length of the bridge/structure and approaches
(e.g. radius, spiral, straight)
the length and radius of the curve
the length and bearing of straights
the chainage, coordinates and intersection point labels (e.g. htp1, htp2) and at each end of a
curve, spiral or straight
the position of the bridge/structure indicated by a filled shape and showing the chainage at
each end of the bridge/structure
the compass direction of true north indicated by the use of a north point.
Note: Depending on the complexity of the horizontal geometry, values such as chainage and
coordinate may be placed in a table.
Figure 3.6: Horizontal alignment diagram
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3.2.6 Skew Diagrams

Skew diagrams shall be in the following format with the following information:
a right angle triangle with the base parallel to the control line, the hypotenuse parallel to the
abutment or pier centreline with the skew angle designated at the apex of the triangle
a dimension for the vertical side of the triangle (typically 10 000mm). A dimension for the
base (‘L1’) and the hypotenuse (‘L2’) of the triangle calculated from the vertical dimension
and the skew angle (Figure 3.7).
Figure 3.7: Skew diagrams
3.2.7 General Notes

The General Notes shall be as required by the appropriate road authority.
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Source: DTEI (2008)
Figure 3.8: DTEI – General arrangement
Austroads 2009
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Figure 3.9: RTA – General arrangement
Austroads 2009
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Figure 3.10: VicRoads – General arrangement
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Source: QDMR (2000)
Figure 3.11: QDMR – General arrangement – Sheet 1
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Source: QDMR (2000)
Figure 3.12: QDMR – General arrangement – Sheet 2
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3.3 Footings and Piles

3.3.1 General
Various types of structural elements are used in bridge construction to transfer loads to the
foundation material, such as the following:
piles
spread footings
rock anchors.
These elements can also be combined such as piles and spread footings, which when designed
will form the base element to support the structure above.
Footing, spread footing and pile layout drawings shall be shown in a set of bridge construction
plans, showing the correct setting out, orientation and plan size of all elements. The layout will
also show the locations of any test piles (Figure 3.13).
Geotechnical information
Test bores for foundations are taken at nominated locations on bridge sites to establish the type
and strength of the foundation material. The information is shown by the drilling contractor in a
borehole log.
As a rule at least one borehole would be taken at each pier and abutment location; however this
process may vary from one site to the next.
If required or preferred, the locations of the boreholes may be shown on the plan view of a General
Arrangement drawing.
As part of a set of bridge construction plans, the borehole log shall be referred to as a reference,
either on the pile/footing drawings or on the Cover Sheet.
3.3.2 Piles
Various types of piles are used in bridge construction, such as:
Driven piles
Cast-in-place/drilled piles.
Driven piles
Driven piles are generally prefabricated members made from various types of material, such as,
steel (‘H’ piles, tubular piles), concrete (precast reinforced concrete, prestressed reinforced
concrete), and timber in some cases. Driven piles also come in various shapes, such as round,
square, octagonal, and shaped (e.g. ‘H’ pile).
A separate drawing for the fabricated members shall be added as part of the set of bridge
construction plans and shall contain all relevant information required for the fabrication of each
member.
Where piles are required to be spliced, the minimum depth below ground level to the splice shall
be clearly shown on the drawings.
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All relevant information for the placement and location of the piles, such as reduced levels, rakes
and coordinates shall be clearly shown on the drawings.
Cast-in-place or bored reinforced concrete piles

Cast-in-place or bored reinforced concrete piles are piles which are fabricated on site by first
boring a hole into the foundation material and then placing the reinforcement and concrete.
Permanent or temporary casing may be used prior to boring as a supporting structure for the
foundation material.
All relevant information for the placement and location of the piles, such as reduced levels, rakes,
rock sockets and coordinates shall be clearly shown on the drawings.
Generally cast-in-place piles can come in various diameters, sometimes on the same bridge
construction site.
3.3.3 Pile Setting Out

The setting out of the piles shall be shown on a layout view. This drawing is not necessarily to
scale but should have reasonable proportions. On curved bridges it may be advantageous to
exaggerate the curvature to show dimensions more clearly. Horizontal alignment data for the
control line shall be provided on the pile layout drawing.
The layout should be shown on the pile detail sheet where possible and include all information
necessary for the positioning of the piles (Figure 3.13 and Figure 3.14).
Figure 3.13: Pile layout – bearing and offsets
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Figure 3.14: Pile layout – pile coordinates
Piles in one line

The centreline of the pile group shall be defined by chainage and bearing to the control line with
the location of each pile being dimensioned from the intersection of the control line and the
centreline of piles, parallel/normal to the centreline of the piles; or alternatively by a set of
coordinates for each individual pile location (Figure 3.13 and Figure 3.14).
Piles in a group
The centre of the pile group shall be defined by a chainage and bearing to the control line together
with a dimension from the control line; or alternatively by a set of coordinates with the location of
each pile being dimensioned from the centre of the pile group parallel or normal to the centreline of
the piles (Figure 3.15).
Figure 3.15: Piles in a group
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Raked piles
Where raked piles are used, a note shall be added to the drawing to indicate that the location
shown is at a nominated reduced level/height (usually the top of pile).
Raked piles shall also have the degree of rake shown together with an arrow to indicate the
direction of the rake in relation to the centreline of piles.
Where raked piles are in two or more rows beneath a pile cap, a dimension between the design
levels (usually the top of pile) of the pile centrelines shall be provided (Figure 3.13).
3.3.4 Spread Footings/Footings

Generally spread footings are detailed on pier or abutment drawings; however the location of any
spread footing shall be shown in plan on the layout view.
Generally spread footings shall contain the following information:

layout plan in accordance with Section 3.3.5 of this guide
the elevation of a spread footing showing contract level or estimated foundation level, as
appropriate, and the top reduced level or height
blinding/preliminary concrete
the position of the construction joint in the column above the top of the spread footing
the location of starter bars for splicing with the main column reinforcement.
3.3.5 Footing Setting Out

The setting out of footings on structures with complicated geometry shall generally be shown on a
layout view, however on straight, square bridges; the location of footings can be clearly indicated
on the plan of piers or abutments.
The layout shall indicate plan dimensions of the individual footings. The layout shall provide the
horizontal alignment data for the control line, such as chainage, bearing and coordinates, and
include all information necessary for the positioning of the footing from the intersection of the
control line and the centreline of the footing, such as the bearing of the footing centreline (Figure
3.16).
Figure 3.16: Footing layout
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The layout does not necessarily need to be to scale, however it should be reasonably
proportioned. On curved bridges it may be advantageous to exaggerate the curvature in order that
dimensions may be shown more clearly.
3.3.6 Rock Anchors

The location of rock anchors should generally be shown in the layout view. Where rock anchors
are used to tie back walls and abutments, locations shall be shown on an elevation and any other
views necessary to clearly show angles, etc.
Generally rock anchors shall contain the following information:

the location of test anchors
an elevation showing:
— anchorage and anchorage recess
— bonded length (for primary grouting)
— free length (for secondary grouting)
— depth of drilled holes, e.g. 500 mm below end of anchor
— bore hole diameter and length
— sheathing and extent of sheathing
a cross-section showing:
— location and size of pipe through pile or footing.
3.4 Concrete Detailing

3.4.1 General
Line work on drawing should generally be in accordance with Table 3.1 in AS 1100 Part 101.
Variations on the theme may be allowed according to the application.
Concrete detail drawings should show the physical dimensions and reduced levels of a concrete
structure. It is important that sufficient information is shown to enable formwork to be built and
erected and concrete quantities to be easily calculated.
Formed holes, cast-in metal work, construction joints and any necessary layers of mass concrete
shall be shown.
General notes
General notes applicable to concrete detail sheets will cover such information as concrete
exposure classification, concrete strength and any other applicable notes relating to the concrete
structure.
3.4.2 Holes in Concrete, Cast-in Items

Holes in concrete
Concrete structures may require some form of hole to be formed, cored or drilled, depending on
their application.
Formed holes are cast at the time of placing the concrete either by using some form of sacrificial
material, such as a polystyrene block, or by using some type of hollow pipe as a permanent
formwork. The location of the formed holes shall be sufficiently dimensioned to enable their correct
positioning inside the formwork.
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Cored holes are created in existing concrete by the use of coring drills and are used when large
diameter holes are required. The location of the cored holes shall be sufficiently dimensioned to
enable their correct positioning in the existing concrete structure.
Drilled holes are drilled in existing concrete and are deemed a small diameter hole. The location of
the drilled holes shall be sufficiently dimensioned to enable their correct positioning in the existing
concrete structure.
Cast-in items
Cast-in items (where applicable) shall be cross-referenced to the sheet where the respective
details are shown. The location of cast-in items shall be sufficiently dimensioned to enable their
correct positioning inside the concrete structure formwork.
3.4.3 Dimensioning
Dimensioning of concrete items shall be in accordance with Section 2.3 and Section 2.4 of this
Guide.
Dimensioning of concrete elements, whose details appear on a separate sheet, shall not be given,
e.g. the dimensions for the positioning of piles relative to the pile cap and its extremities shall not
be shown on the pile cap drawing.
Fillets and chamfers

The detailing of standard chamfers and fillets should not be shown on small scale views or
sections. However, standard chamfers and fillets shall be detailed to their correct size on any view
or section where the scale is 1:10 or larger (e.g. 1:10, 1:5, 1:2 etc.).
Non-standard fillets i.e. greater than 20 x 20 mm, shall be shown in all instances and shall be
either called up or dimensioned.
3.4.4 Plan View

Plan views, used to show the location of such elements as footings, columns, headstocks etc. may
also be used to show reference markings, co-ordinates and chainages.
Plan views shall be drawn as a horizontal view taken immediately above the element under
consideration.
Hidden details such as piles, columns and footings shall be shown as broken lines where
appropriate (Figure 3.17).
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Figure 3.17: Plan view
3.4.5 Elevation
Elevations shall be drawn as a view seen from a vertical plane immediately in front of the element
under consideration.
Hidden details, such as abutment wing walls and associated fillets shall be shown as broken lines
(Figure 3.18).
Figure 3.18: Elevation
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3.4.6 Section
Sections shall be drawn as a view from a cutting plane located through an element previously
drawn as an elevation, plan or view.
Generally, only the details at the cutting plane of the section should be shown, however, details
beyond the cutting plane may be included provided that the included details are not confusing to
the main details being shown.
Sections, where possible, shall be drawn adjacent to the plan or elevation to which they relate.
Where section details cannot be shown on the sheet of origin, they shall be cross-referenced in
accordance with Section 2.10 of this Guide.
If a series of cutting planes are used to define section details, any change in direction of the cutting
plane shall be shown by thick lines. (Figure 3.19 and Figure 3.20).
Figure 3.19: Section 1
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Figure 3.20: Section 4
3.4.7 Construction Joints

Construction joints are not permitted in prestressed concrete items except where directed by the
designer. Such construction joints, where required, shall be detailed on the drawings.
Construction joints, where critical for design purposes e.g. continuous deck slabs, voided slabs and
continuity connections, shall be adequately located by dimensions on the drawings.
Construction joints may also be required in tall members (e.g. pier columns) to avoid height related
access and concrete compaction problems.
The aesthetic aspect of construction joints in highly visible members should be considered and
detailed if deemed necessary.
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3.5 Concrete Reinforcement Detailing

The following section has been written to conform to the following Standards:
AS 5100 Bridge Design, Part 5 Concrete
AS/NZS 1100 Part 501 Structural Engineering Drawing
AS/NZS 4671 Steel Reinforcing Materials.
3.5.1 General
The elevations, plans, views and sections shall be drawn using the same principles as outlined in
Section 3.4 of this guide and will show the required reinforcement details.
In some cases concrete and reinforcement can be shown on the same drawing, even on the same
view, however, in more complex reinforced concrete elements, such as, abutments, it is preferable
to detail the concrete and reinforcement on separate drawings.
3.5.2 Detailing of Reinforcement

An example of a bar’s typical full description is as follows:
Figure 3.21: Reinforcement label
The full description of a bar, as above, will appear on a drawing only once. All subsequent
references to the bar shall require only the bar mark (e.g. A2). For a more detailed view see
Section 3.5.3 of this Guide.
Bar number sequence

When labelling reinforcement, the first bar labelled shall be ‘1’ and each subsequent bar shall be
numbered is sequence (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.). No reinforcement bar with different characteristics shall
be labelled with the same bar number as a previously labelled bar (e.g. 12 m long straight bar
carries the label – A1 4-N16-S-300T, 8 m long straight bar can not carry the label, A1 4-N16-S-
300T and therefore must carry the next available bar label – A2 4-N16-S-300B).
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Structure element denotation

The letter suffix attached to the bar number is used to aid in isolating various elements of a
reinforced concrete structure, which allows in the detailing of each element individually (e.g. A –
Abutment, P – Pier, D – Deck).
Number of bars in a set

This refers to the total number of bars in a set and is typically shown in Figure 3.22.
Figure 3.22: Set of bars
Bar structural properties

The letter placed before the bar size defines the bar’s structural properties, as a default setting for
the most commonly used steel grade – D500N (Deformed, 500 Grade, Normal Ductility), the label
shall show an ‘N’ before the bar size (Figure 3.22).
Where a grade other than D500N is required (e.g. D250N), the bar’s structural properties shall be
placed before the bar size (Figure 3.23).
Figure 3.23: Grade 250 label
Where the bar’s surface shape is required to be plain round, the letter before the bar size shall be
shown as an ‘R’ (Figure 3.24).
Figure 3.24: Plain round bar label
Bar size
The nominal bar diameter in the longitudinal direction is shown in millimetres.
Bar shape code

Bar shapes in general shall be taken from Table 3.1 (A) and Table 3.1(B) of AS 1100 Part 501.
See Bar Shapes within this Section.
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Bar spacing
The spacing of a bar or bars, along a limit line is expressed in millimetres (Figure 3.22).
Information for placing

This additional information helps in the placement of the reinforcing bar. The acceptable
abbreviations are shown in Table 3.2 of AS 1100 Part 501 (Figure 3.25).
Bar and fabric detailing

The numbering of reinforcement, whether bars or fabric, shall be in sequential order and shall
proceed from the bottom to the top of the element under consideration wherever possible and/or
practical.
In a pier spread footing, the bar placed closest to the bottom face shall be numbered first,
and then each subsequent bar numbered in the order the bars would be placed during
construction (Figure 3.25).
Figure 3.25: Labelling sequence – 1
In bridge decks where cross girders/diaphragms are used, the first bar marks used shall be in the
cross girders/diaphragms as these bars must be placed before the main slab reinforcement
(Figure 3.26).
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Figure 3.26: Labelling sequence – 2
Locating reinforcement bars

When locating reinforcement bars during detailing the following should be considered:
The location of reinforcing bars in relation to each other, particularly in connection details
such as a column/headstock connection, pile/pile cap connection and footing/column
connection, etc., should be closely examined to ensure that bars may be easily placed and
concrete compaction in that area can be achieved.
The placement of reinforcement bars to minimise the interference with objects, such as,
cast-in metal work (e.g. dowels, anchor bolts), formed holes and recesses. Where the
location of the cast-in item is critical, reinforcement shall be detailed to suit the particular
application.
Where interference is of a minor nature only and is not critical, a suitable note shall be added to the
drawing, such as the following:
The spacing of vertical bars may be adjusted slightly where necessary to clear formed holes
and dowels.
Reinforcement may be displaced slightly where necessary to clear dowels, anchor bolts,
formed holes and recesses.
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Bar shapes
Bar shapes in general shall be taken from Table 3.1 (A) and Table 3.1(B) of AS 1100 Part 501.
In addition to the Australian Standard bar shapes, each road authority may have adopted bar
shapes that are commonly used in the detailing of a set of bridge construction plans. Each state
shall be consulted for their commonly used bar shapes.
Where the shape of a particular bar does not conform to the Australian Standard bar shapes or the
bar shapes used by the road authority, a ‘Z’ suffix shall be added to the bar shape code with the
first non-standard shape being ‘AZ’. Variations within a particular non-standard bar shape (e.g.
same general shape with different leg lengths), shall be identified by the use of the next available
numerical prefix (Figure 3.27).
Figure 3.27: Non-standard label
Any subsequent non-standard bar shapes shall be labelled 'BZ', 'CZ' etc. and all non-standard
shapes shall be clearly defined on the ‘Bar shapes diagram’ sheet. Where non-standard bars
require fitment of bends and hooks, this and any other special feature shall be specified in the bar
shapes diagram.
3.5.3 Labelling Principles

Detailing reinforcement in elevations, plans and views
As stated in Section 3.5.1 of the guide, elevations, plans and views shall be drawn using the same
principles as outlined in Section 3.4 of this guide. The structure element shall be treated as
transparent showing the required reinforcement.
In elevations, plans and views reinforcement is typically detailed using the following method:
Only one bar in a set of bars is drawn with the extents of that bar shown using limit lines.
The number and spacing of the bars over the extents is shown as a reinforcement label.
When showing bars in elevation, plan and view, bars should not be shown in section, only
under special circumstances should this rule not apply (Figure 3.25 and Figure 3.28 to
Figure 3.30).
Figure 3.28: Elevation, plan and view – Detail principle
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Figure 3.29: Elevation, plan and view – Detail principle (variable bars)
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Figure 3.30: Typical detailing for elevation, plan and view
Detailing reinforcement in section

As stated in Section 3.5.1 of the guide, sections shall be drawn using the same principles as
outlined in Section 3.4 of this guide. The structure element at the cut line shall be treated as
transparent showing the required reinforcement.
In sections, reinforcement is typically detailed using the following method:

Bars in section are indicated by arrows when designating the bar mark.
Typically only the bar mark (Figure 3.21) shall be shown on a section, not the full description
label. However in some cases a bar’s full description label may be used so that adequate
information can be supplied.
Bars cut in section should be proportioned appropriately to suit the section scale, the bar
should be clearly visible.
Fitment and other bars shown as a line in section, are indicated by a circle when designating
the bar mark.
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Sufficient dimensions shall be used where necessary to show placement of the

reinforcement.
Stirrups and ligatures shown in section shall be drawn to clearly show the shape of the bar.
All bars shall be displayed in their structural location to show their shape in relation to the
concrete shape and their relationship with other bars.
A bar shape shall not be shown next to an elevation, plan, view or section, the bar shall be detailed
in its final position, in relation to the concrete shape (Figure 3.31 to Figure 3.34).
Figure 3.31: Typical detailing for section – 1
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Austroads 2009
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Figure 3.34: Incorrect detailing of a bar next to a view
Reinforcement laps
Reinforcing bars are manufactured to set lengths.
When the length required exceeds the bar length, two or more bars are lapped together to produce
the required length.
Laps need not be shown unless they are required in a specific location.
When lapped in a specific location the lapped reinforcement is typically detailed using the following
methods:
Figure 3.35: Typical lap detail
Figure 3.36: Typical lap detail – useful for confined areas
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Figure 3.37: Typical cranked lap detail
Bundled bars
When two or more bars are placed together (e.g. fitments in a parapet, etc.), they shall be called
up as a bundle. Not all the bars in a bundle need to be shown, particularly when the number of
bars exceed the practical limit of showing the clear representation of the bundle.
In Figure 3.38 a number of bars are displayed in a slab, in both section and elevation. Figure 3.39
displays two simple alternative methods of detailing a bundle.
Figure 3.38: Reinforcing bars in a bundle
Figure 3.39: Typical detailing for bar bundles
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Cover to reinforcement
All reinforcement drawings shall contain a note giving the required cover from a concrete face to
the reinforcement, e.g. ‘Nominal cover to reinforcement nearest to the concrete surface shall be
40 mm, unless specified otherwise.’
When the cover is not as stated, the cover must be detailed (Figure 3.31).
3.6 Structural Steel Detailing

3.6.1 General
Structural steelwork drawings shall show sufficient detail for the complete fabrication of a particular
item or sufficient detail to enable the fabricator to prepare detailed shop drawings for the particular
item.
For simple fabrication work, such as bridge girders that are made from rolled steel sections,
universal beams and built-up plate girders, shop drawings are not usually prepared.
Each item of fabricated steelwork shall be detailed in the form with which the item would be
released from the fabrication shop, with each and every part that would be attached in the
fabrication shop, shown as part of the total assembly.
Fabricated items that form part of the total assembly need not be detailed as separate items, nor
shall the quantity of those items be shown separately unless unduly complicated, and in such a
case, the quantity of those items is shown and detailed separately.
In the majority of cases, it is sufficient to detail a fabricated item in one or two views, with enlarged
details of the more complex portions as necessary.
Where items are to be bolted or welded together in the field, (e.g. where steel cross girders are to
be attached to the main girders), an assembly drawing showing all components in their final
position in the structure shall be provided.
3.6.2 Standard Items

Standard items, such as bolts, nuts and screws need not be fully detailed. If items are not fully
detailed, they shall be sufficiently described to enable correct identification.
Bolts, nuts and washers shall be described separately on drawings due to the different Australian
Standards they refer to.
3.6.3 Non-standard Items

All non-standard items shall be fully detailed with all relevant dimensions, thread length, thread
type and surface finish indicated as appropriate.
3.6.4 Closing Dimensions

In accordance with industry practice, overall dimensions of steel items shall be provided to enable
correct manufacture.
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3.6.5 Protective Treatment

The required protective treatment shall be specified on the drawings and it shall be appropriate for
the item under consideration, (e.g. for large items, it may be inappropriate to specify that the item
be hot-dip galvanised after manufacture).
In all cases where protective treatment of steelwork is required, a note shall be included in the
general notes on the drawing.
Where fabricated steel items have been hot-dip galvanised and the surface of the protective
coating has been disturbed or damaged for any reason, a note shall be included in the general
notes on the drawing for the treatment and repair of the damaged surface.
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REFERENCES
Austroads 2008, Glossary of Austroads terms, 2nd edn., by K Sharp & P Milne, AP-C87/08 Austroads,
Sydney, NSW.
Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Northern Territory 2007, CADD manual, version 1.3 , DPI,
Darwin, NT.
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, South Australia 2008, ‘Structures group drafting
guidelines’ version 2, DTEI, Adelaide, SA.
Main Roads Western Australia, 2009, Drafting guidelines and practices manual, MRWA, Perth, WA.
Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales 2007, Structural drafting and detailing manual, RTA, Sydney,
NSW.
Queensland Department of Main Roads 2008, Bridge design drafting manual, QDMR, Brisbane, Qld.
VicRoads n.d, ‘A selection of bridge related project drawings’, VicRoads, Kew, Vic. (unpublished).
Standards Australia
AS 1100.101-1992, Technical drawing: general principles.
AS 1100.301-2008, Technical drawing: architectural drawing.
AS 1100.401-1984, Technical drawing: engineering survey and engineering survey design drawing.
AS/NZS 1100.501-2002, Technical drawing: structural engineering drawing.
AS ISO 1302-2005, Geometrical product specifications (GPS): indication of surface texture in technical
product documentation.
AS 1348-2002, Glossary of terms: roads and traffic engineering.
AS/NZS 4671-2001, Steel reinforcing materials.
AS 5100.1-2004, Bridge design: scope and general principles.
Austroads 2009
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PUBLICATION SUPERSEDED

This document was published by Austroads.

Whilst it has been superseded by later publications, it

For those seeking current material and guidance,

Part 5: Structural Drafting

First Published June 2009

© Austroads Inc. 2009

Austroads Project No. TP1564

Austroads Publication No. AGBT05/09

Published by Austroads Incorporated

3.2.4 Typical Cross-section ..................................................................................... 42

Figure 3.16: Footing layout ................................................................................................. 53

1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.3 Guide Structure

Part 1: Introduction and Bridge Performance

Part 3: Typical Superstructures, Substructures and Components

Part 4: Design Procurement and Concept Design

Part 5: Structural Drafting

Part 6: Bridge Construction

Part 7: Maintenance and Management of Existing Bridges

Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance

box culvert A culvert of rectangular cross-section

Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance (Continued)

Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance (Continued)

epoxy cement A non-shrink synthetic epoxy cement mortar

Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance (Continued)

Grid A coordinate reference system used in surveying

Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance (Continued)

settlement A downward movement of the soil or of the structure it supports

Table 1.1: Definitions provided for guidance (Continued)

Source: RTA, NSW (unpublished)

Figure 1.1: Bridge components

1.5 Types of Drawings

1.5.2 Detailed Design Drawings

1.5.3 Fabrication Drawings (Shop Drawing)

1.5.4 Works-as-Executed Drawings (As-Built Drawings or As-Constructed)

Source: RTA NSW (2007)

Figure 1.2: RTA – Concept sketch

Source: DTEI (2008)

Figure 1.3: DTEI – Concept design – general arrangement

Source: DTEI (2008)

Figure 1.4: DTEI – Concept design – details

Source: QDMR (2000)

Figure 1.5: QDMR – Preliminary general arrangement

Source: RTA NSW (2007)

Figure 1.6: RTA – Proposal sketch

Source: VicRoads n.d.

Figure 1.7: VicRoads – Concept general arrangement – Part 1

Source: VicRoads n.d.

Figure 1.8: VicRoads – Concept general arrangement – Part 2

A chain of dimensions shall be covered by an overall dimension except where dimensional

2.3.1 Dimension Lines, Projection Lines and Leader Lines

Dimension lines shall not be shown as centrelines or as part of an element’s outline.

2.4 Order of Dimensioning

The following order of accuracy shall be used on all drawings:

Figure 2.1 shows scale bar examples:

Figure 2.1: Scale bars

2.6 Drawing Order

Table 2.1: Order of drawings

2.6.2 Drawing Numbering

2.6.3 Title Blocks

2.6.4 Titles and Sub-titles

Figure 2.2: Sub-titles

the shape and slopes of embankments required