AAHTO LRFD Construction Specifications 2nd Edition 2004 - 2009 Revisions

AASHTO LRFD Bridge
Construction
Specifications
Second Edition z 2004
2009 Interim Revisions
Published by the
American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials
To recipients of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 2nd Edition (2004):
Instructions
Interim revisions have been made to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 2nd Edition (2004).
They have been designed to replace the corresponding pages in the book and are numbered accordingly.
Underlined copy indicates revisions were approved in 2005 by the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and
Structures. Boldface copy indicates revisions were approved in 2006 by the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges
and Structures. Underlined boldface copy indicates revisions were approved in 2007 by the AASHTO Highway
Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures. Double-underlined copy indicates revisions were approved in 2008 by the
AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures. A listing of newly changed and deleted articles is included
with these interim revisions as an addendum to the preface of the book.
All revised pages also display a box in the lower outside corner indicating the interim publication year. Any non-
technical changes in page appearance will be indicated by this revision box alone to differentiate such changes from those
which have been approved by the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures.
Please note that although this interim has been published in 2008, it features a “2009” interim box. This is for ease of
reference; it has the same interim box as all the bridge interims approved in 2008 will have, whether they are released in
late 2008 or early 2009.
To keep your Specifications correct and up-to-date, please replace the appropriate pages in the book with the pages in
this packet.
AASHTO LRFD Bridge
Construction
Specifications
Second Edition  2004
2009 Interim Revisions
Published by the
American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 249
Washington, DC 20001
202-624-5800 phone/202-624-5806 fax
www.transportation.org
© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved. Duplication is a
violation of applicable law.
Cover photos courtesy of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (left), the Utah Department of Transportation (top right),
and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (bottom right).
ISBN: 978-1-56051-431-2 Publication Code: LRFDCONS-2-I4

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2004–2005
Voting Members
Officers:
President: J. Bryan Nicol, Indiana

Vice President: Jack Lettiere, New Jersey
Secretary-Treasurer: Larry M. King, Pennsylvania
Regional Representatives:
REGION I: Allen Biehler, Pennsylvania, One-Year Term

Dan Tangherlini, District of Columbia, Two-Year Term
REGION II: Fernando Fagundo, Puerto Rico, One-Year Term

Harold Linnenkohl, Georgia, Two-Year Term
REGION III: Gloria Jeff, Michigan, One-Year Term

Frank Busalacchi, Wisconsin, Two-Year Term
REGION IV: Tom Norton, Colorado, One-Year Term

David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota, Two-Year Term
Nonvoting Members
Immediate Past President: John R. Njord, Utah

AASHTO Executive Director: John Horsley, Washington, DC
iii
© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
HIGHWAY SUBCOMMITTEE ON BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES
2003
MALCOLM T. KERLEY, Chair
SANDRA Q. LARSON, Vice Chair
RAYMOND McCORMICK, Federal Highway Administration, Secretary
ALABAMA, William F. Conway, George H. Connor PENNSYLVANIA, R. Scott Christie, Harold C.

ALASKA, Richard A. Pratt Rogers, Jr.
ARIZONA, Pe-shen Yang, Jean A. Nehme PUERTO RICO, Jamie Cabre
ARKANSAS, Phil Brand RHODE ISLAND, Kazem Farhoumand
CALIFORNIA, Richard Land, Susan Hida SOUTH CAROLINA, Jeff Sizemore
COLORADO, Mark A. Leonard SOUTH DAKOTA, John C. Cole
CONNECTICUT, Gordon D. Barton TENNESSEE, Edward P. Wasserman
DELAWARE, Dennis O’Shea, Jiten K. Soneji TEXAS, Mary Lou Ralls, William R. Cox, David P.
D.C., Donald Cooney Hohmann
FLORIDA, William N. Nickas, Jack O. Evans U.S. DOT, Nick E. Mpras, Shoukry Elnahal
GEORGIA, Paul V. Liles, Jr., Brian Summers UTAH, David Nazare
HAWAII, Paul T. Santo VERMONT, James B. McCarthy
IDAHO, Matthew M. Farrar VIRGINIA, George M. Clendenin, Julius F. J.
Volgyi, Jr.
ILLINOIS, Ralph E. Anderson, Thomas J. Domagalski
WASHINGTON, Jerry A. Weigel, Tony M. Allen,
INDIANA, Mary Jo Hamman
Bijan Khaleghi
IOWA, Norman L. McDonald
WEST VIRGINIA, James W. Sothen
KANSAS, Kenneth F. Hurst, Loren R. Risch
WISCONSIN, Stanley W. Woods
KENTUCKY, Stephen E. Goodpaster
WYOMING, Gregg C. Fredrick, Keith R. Fulton
LOUISIANA, Hossein Ghara, Tony Ducote
MAINE, James E. Tukey, Jeffrey S. Folsom
MARYLAND, Earle S. Freedman, Robert J. Healy ALBERTA, Dilip K. Dasmohapatra, Bob Ramsey
MASSACHUSETTS, Alexander K. Bardow BRITISH COLUMBIA, Peter Brett
MICHIGAN, Steve Beck, Raja Jildeh MANITOBA, Ismail Elkholy
MINNESOTA, Daniel L. Dorgan, Kevin Western NEW BRUNSWICK, David E. Cogswell
MISSISSIPPI, Mitchell K. Carr NOVA SCOTIA, Alan A. MacRae, Mark Pertus
MISSOURI, Shyam Gupta, Paul Kelly, Paul Porter ONTARIO, Bala Tharmabala
MONTANA, William S. Fullerton SASKATCHEWAN, Howard Yea
NEBRASKA, Lyman D. Freemon, Mark Ahlman
NEVADA, William C. Crawford, Jr.
MASS. METRO. DIST. COMM., David Lenhardt
NEW HAMPSHIRE, Mark W. Richardson, Mark D.
Whittemore N.J. TURNPIKE AUTHORITY, Richard J. Raczynski
NEW JERSEY, Harry A. Capers, Jr., Richard W. N.Y. STATE BRIDGE AUTHORITY, William J.
Dunne Moreau
NEW MEXICO, Jimmy D. Camp PORT AUTHORITY OF N.Y. AND N.J., Joseph J.
Kelly
NEW YORK, George A. Christian, John F. Sadowski,
Donald F. Dwyer MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
COMMAND, Robert D. Franz
NORTH CAROLINA, Greg R. Perfetti
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS—
NORTH DAKOTA, Terrence R. Udland
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, Paul C. T. Tan
OHIO, Timothy J. Keller, Jawdat Siddiqi
U.S. COAST GUARD, Jacob Patnaik
OKLAHOMA, Robert J. Rusch
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE—
OREGON, Mark E. Hirota FOREST SERVICE, Nelson Hernandez
iv

ABBREVIATED TABLE OF CONTENTS
The AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 2nd Edition contains the following 32 sections and an SI
appendix:
1. Structure Excavation and Backfill

2. Removal of Existing Structures
3. Temporary Works
4. Driven Foundation Piles
5. Drilled Pipes and Shafts
6. Ground Anchors
7. Earth-Retaining Systems
8. Concrete Structures
9. Reinforcing Steel
10. Prestressing
11. Steel Structures
12. Steel Grid Flooring
13. Painting
14. Stone Masonry
15. Concrete Block and Brick Masonry
16. Timber Structures
17. Preservative Treatment of Wood
18. Bearing Devices
19. Bridge Deck Joint Seals
20. Railings
21. Waterproofing
22. Slope Protection
23. Miscellaneous Metal
24. Pneumatically Applied Mortar
25. Steel and Concrete Tunnel Liners
26. Metal Culverts
27. Concrete Culverts
28. Wearing Surfaces
29. Embedment Anchors
30. Thermoplastic Pipe
31. Aluminum Structures
32. Shock Transmission Units
A. SI Versions of Equations, Tables, and Figures
v
FOREWORD
The first broadly recognized national standard for the design and construction of bridges in the United States was
published in 1931 by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO), the predecessor to AASHTO. With
the advent of the automobile and the establishment of highway departments in all of the American states dating back to
just before the turn of the century, the design, construction, and maintenance of most U.S. bridges was the responsibility of
these departments and, more specifically, the chief bridge engineer within each department. It was natural, therefore, that
these engineers, acting collectively as the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures, would become the
author and guardian of this first bridge standard.
This first publication was entitled Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges and Incidental Structures. It quickly
became the de facto national standard and, as such, was adopted and used by not only the state highway departments but
also other bridge-owning authorities and agencies in the United States and abroad. Rather early on, the last three words of
the original title were dropped and it has been reissued in consecutive editions at approximately four-year intervals ever
since as Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, with the final 17th edition appearing in 2002.
The body of knowledge related to the design of highway bridges has grown enormously since 1931 and continues to
do so. Theory and practice have evolved greatly, reflecting advances through research in understanding the properties of
materials, in improved materials, in more rational and accurate analysis of structural behavior, in the advent of computers
and rapidly advancing computer technology, in the study of external events representing particular hazards to bridges such
as seismic events and stream scour, and in many other areas. The pace of advances in these areas has, if anything, stepped
up in recent years. To accommodate this growth in bridge engineering knowledge, the Subcommittee on Bridges and
Structures has been granted authority under AASHTO’s governing documents to approve and issue Bridge Interims each
year, not only with respect to the Standard Specifications but also to incrementally modify and enhance the twenty-odd
additional documents on bridges and structures engineering that are under its guidance and sponsorship.
In 1986, the Subcommittee submitted a request to the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research to undertake an
assessment of U.S. bridge design specifications, to review foreign design specifications and codes, to consider design
philosophies alternative to those underlying the Standard Specifications, and to render recommendations based on these
investigations. This work was accomplished under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), an
applied research program directed by the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research and administered on behalf of
AASHTO by the Transportation Research Board (TRB). The work was completed in 1987, and, as might be expected with
a standard incrementally adjusted over the years, the Standard Specifications were judged to include discernible gaps,
inconsistencies, and even some conflicts. Beyond this, the specification did not reflect or incorporate the most recently
developing design philosophy, load-and-resistance factor design (LRFD), a philosophy which has been gaining ground in
other areas of structural engineering and in other parts of the world such as Canada and Europe.
From its inception until the early 1970s, the sole design philosophy embedded within the Standard Specifications was
one known as working stress design (WSD). WSD establishes allowable stresses as a fraction or percentage of a given
material’s load-carrying capacity, and requires that calculated design stresses not exceed those allowable stresses.
Beginning in the early 1970s, WSD began to be adjusted to reflect the variable predictability of certain load types, such as
vehicular loads and wind forces, through adjusting design factors, a design philosophy referred to as load factor design
(LFD). Both WSD and LFD are reflected in the current edition of the Standard Specifications.
A further philosophical extension results from considering the variability in the properties of structural elements, in
similar fashion to load variabilities. While considered to a limited extent in LFD, the design philosophy of load-and-
resistance factor design (LRFD) takes variability in the behavior of structural elements into account in an explicit manner.
LRFD relies on extensive use of statistical methods, but sets forth the results in a manner readily usable by bridge
designers and analysts.
With the advent of these specifications, bridge engineers had a choice of two standards to guide their designs, the
long-standing AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, and the alternative, newly adopted AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications, and its companions, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications and AASHTO
LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications. Subsequently, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and
the states have established a goal that LRFD standards be incorporated in all new bridge designs after 2007.
Interim Specifications are usually published in the middle of the calendar year, and a revised edition of this book is
generally published every four years. The Interim Specifications have the same status as AASHTO standards, but are
tentative revisions approved by at least two-thirds of the Subcommittee. These revisions are voted on by the AASHTO
vii
member departments prior to the publication of each new edition of this book and, if approved by at least two-thirds of the
members, they are included in the new edition as standards of the Association. AASHTO members are the 50 State
Highway or Transportation Departments, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Each member has one vote. The U.S.
Department of Transportation is a nonvoting member.
Annual Interim Specifications are generally used by the States after their adoption by the Subcommittee. Orders for
these annual Interim Specifications may be placed by visiting our web site, bookstore.transportation.org; calling the AASHTO
Publication Sales Office toll free (within the U.S. and Canada), 1-800-231-3475; or mailing to P.O. Box 96716,
Washington, DC 20906-6716. A free copy of the current publication catalog can be downloaded from our website or
requested from the Publications Sales Office.
Attention is also directed to the following publications prepared and published by the Subcommittee on Bridges and
Structures:
AASHTO Guide for Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements. 1998.
AASHTO Guide Specifications for Horizontally Curved Steel Girder Highway Bridges with Design Examples for
I-Girder and Box-Girder Bridges. 2002.
AASHTO Guide Specifications—Thermal Effects in Concrete Bridge Superstructures. 1989.
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction. 1998.
AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design. 1998.
Bridge Data Exchange (BDX) Technical Data Guide. 1995.
Bridge Welding Code: AASHTO/AWS-D1.5M/D1.5: 2002, an American National Standard. 2002.
Construction Handbook for Bridge Temporary Works. 1995.
Guide Design Specifications for Bridge Temporary Works. 1995.
Guide for Painting Steel Structures. 1997.
Guide Manual for Condition Evaluation and Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) of Highway Bridges.
2003.
Guide Specifications and Commentary for Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges. 1991.
Guide Specifications for Alternate Load Factor Design Procedures for Steel Beam Bridges Using Braced
Compact Sections. 1991.
Guide Specifications for Aluminum Highway Bridges. 1991.
Guide Specifications for Bridge Railings. 1989.
Guide Specifications for Design and Construction of Segmental Concrete Bridges. 1999.
Guide Specifications for Design of Pedestrian Bridges. 1997.
Guide Specifications for Fatigue Evaluation of Existing Steel Bridges. 1990.
Guide Specifications for Highway Bridge Fabrication with HPS070W Steel. 2000.
Guide Specifications for Seismic Isolation Design. 1999.
Guide Specifications for Strength Design of Truss Bridges (Load Factor Design). 1986.
Guide Specifications for Strength Evaluation of Existing Steel and Concrete Bridges. 1989.
Guide Specifications for Structural Design of Sound Barriers. 1989.
Guide Specifications for the Design of Stress-Laminated Wood Decks. 1991.
viii
Guidelines for Bridge Management Systems. 1993.
Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges. 2000.
Movable Bridge Inspection, Evaluation and Maintenance Manual. 1998.
Standard Specifications for Movable Highway Bridges. 1988.
Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals. 2001.
Additional bridges and structures publications prepared and published by other AASHTO committees and task forces
are as follows:
Guide Specifications for Cathodic Protection of Concrete Bridge Decks. 1994.
Guide Specifications for Polymer Concrete Bridge Deck Overlays. 1995.
Guide Specifications for Shotcrete Repair of Highway Bridges. 1998.
Inspector’s Guide for Shotcrete Repair of Bridges. 1999.
Manual for Corrosion Protection of Concrete Components in Bridges. 1992.
Two Parts: Guide Specifications for Concrete Overlay Pavements and Bridge Decks. 1990.
AASHTO Maintenance Manual: The Maintenance and Management of Roadways and Bridges. 1999.
The following bridges and structures titles are the result of the AASHTO–NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration and are
available for free download from the AASHTO Web site, bookstore.transportation.org:
Design Drawing Presentation Guidelines. 2003.
Guidelines for Design Constructability. 2003.
Guide Specification for Coating Systems with Inorganic Zinc-Rich Primer. 2003.
Shop Detail Drawing Presentation Guidelines. 2003.
Shop Detail Drawing Review/Approval Guidelines. 2003.
Steel Bridge Fabrication Guide Specification. 2003.
Steel Bridge Fabrication QC/QA Guide Specification. 2003.
The following have served as chairmen of the Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures since its inception in 1921:
Messrs. E. F. Kelley, who pioneered the work of the Subcommittee; Albin L. Gemeny; R. B. McMinn; Raymond
Archiband; G. S. Paxson; E. M. Johnson; Ward Goodman; Charles Matlock; Joseph S. Jones; Sidney Poleynard; Jack
Freidenrich; Henry W. Derthick; Robert C. Cassano; Clellon Loveall; James E. Siebels; David Pope; Tom Lulay; and
Malcolm T. Kerley. The Subcommittee expresses its sincere appreciation of the work of these men and of those active
members of the past, whose names, because of retirement, are no longer on the roll.
The Subcommittee would also like to thank Mr. John M. Kulicki, Ph.D., and his associates at Modjeski and Masters
for their valuable assistance in the preparation of the LRFD Specifications.
Suggestions for the improvement of the LRFD Specifications are welcomed, just as they were for the Standard
Specifications before them. They should be sent to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures, AASHTO,
444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001. Inquiries as to intent or application of the
specifications should be sent to the same address.
AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures

December 2004
ix
PREFACE
Dual Units
The AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 2nd Edition has been converted to dual units. Customary
U.S. units are the primary units. SI units appear in parentheses throughout the text. Appendix A at the end of the book lists
the SI versions of all equations, figures, and tables which are unit-specific.
References
As previously initiated in the AASHTO LRFD Design Specifications, 3rd Edition, a reference list appears at the end of
each section for the reader’s convenience. If a standard is available as a stand-alone publication—for example, the ACI
standards—the title is italicized in the text and listed in the references. If a standard is available as part of a larger
publication—for example, the AASHTO materials specifications—the standard’s title is not italicized and the larger
publication—in this case, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing,
24th Edition—is listed in the references.
Technical Changes
A new and practical feature starting with this edition of LRFD Construction is a listing the balloted items approved
and included in this publication, which immediately follows this preface. Please note that gaps in the item numbers reflect
ballot items which affect other bridge titles and which therefore have been omitted from this listing. Where one ballot item
refers to both LRFD Design and LRFD Construction, the full text of the ballot item has been preserved. Article numbers
have been set in boldface type for ease of reference.
Preface Table 1 Sections and Articles Containing Balloted Technical Changes, 2003 and 2004.
Article Revised Balloted 2003 Balloted 2004

8.2.2 3
8.3.1 3
8.3.5 3
8.3.6 3
8.3.7 3
8.3.8 3
8.4.1.1 3
8.4.1.2 3
8.4.3 3
8.4.4 3
8.5.7.1 3
8.5.7.3 3
8.5.7.5 3
8.6.4.1 3
8.6.6 3
8.6.7 3
8.11.1 3
8.11.3.5 3
8.11.4 3
8.13.4 3
8.13.7.2 3
10.1.2 3
10.2.1 3
10.2.2 3
10.8.3 3
10.9 3
xi

10.11.9 3
10.11.10 3
10.11.11 3
11.3.1.3 3
11.3.1.6 3
11.4.1 3
11.4.3.3.2 3
11.4.11 3
11.4.12.2.3 3
11.8 3
11.8.1 3
11.8.1.1 3
11.8.2 3
11.8.3 3
11.8.3.1 3
11.8.3.2 3
11.8.3.3 3
11.8.3.3.1 3
11.8.3.3.2 3
11.8.3.3.3 3
11.8.3.4 3
11.8.3.4.1 3
11.8.3.4.2 3
11.8.3.4.3 3
11.8.3.4.4 3
11.8.3.5 3
11.8.3.6 3
11.8.3.6.1 3
11.8.3.6.2 3
11.8.3.6.3 3
11.8.3.6.4 3
11.8.3.7 3
11.8.3.7.1 3
11.8.3.7.2 3
11.8.4 3
11.8.5 3
11.8.5.1 3
11.8.5.2 3
11.8.5.3 3
11.8.5.4 3
11.8.5.5 3
11.8.6 3
11.8.6.1 3
11.8.6.1.1 3
11.8.6.1.2 3
11.8.6.1.3 3
11.8.6.2 3
11.8.7 3
11 References 3 3
18.3.4.3.1 3
19.2.1 3
19.2.2 3
19.3.1 3
19.3.2 3
19.4.2 3
xii

19.4.3 3
19.4.3.1 3
19.4.3.2 3
19.4.3.3 3
19.4.3.4 3
19.4.3.5 3
19.4.3.6 3
19.4.3.7 3
19.4.3.8 3
19.5.3 3
19.5.4 3
19.5.4.1 3
19.5.4.2 3
19.5.4.3 3
19.5.4.3.1 3
19.5.4.3.2 3
19.5.4.3.3 3
19.5.4.3.4 3
19.5.4.3.5 3
19.5.4.3.6 3
19.5.4.3.7 3
19.5.4.3.8 3
19.5.4.3.9 3
Appendix A19 3
27.3.2.3
27.5.1 3
27.5.2.2 3
27.5.2.3 3
27.5.3 3
27.5.4.2 3
27.5.4.3 3
27.6.2 3
27.8 3
30.5.6 3
Unit Abbreviations
Unit abbreviations are now in accordance with AASHTO R 1. Most of the abbreviations commonly used in LRFD
Construction are listed below. For others, please consult R 1, particularly Annex A, in Part 1B of Standard Specifications
for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, 24th Edition.
The only exception to R 1 usage is a period to abbreviate “inch” (in.) in simple and compound units, other than
microinch (μin). Also, please note the following:
• There is no difference in abbreviation for singular and plural. This is not the case for unabbreviated units (day,
degree, kip, mil, and ton).
• Units containing the multiplication symbol (·) should have a nonbreaking space on either side of the symbol.
• There should be a nonbreaking space between the value and the unit in any measurement regardless of whether or
not the unit is abbreviated.
• Most units of time have one-letter abbreviations. Unit abbreviations are always set in roman type, while variables
and factors are set in italic type. Thus, “2 h” is the abbreviation for “two hours.”
xiii

Preface Table 2 Frequently-Used Unit Abbreviations in Accordance with AASHTO R 1.
Unit Abbreviation
cubic foot ft3
cubic inch in.3
cubic meter m3
cubic yard yd3
day day (no abbreviation)
degree (angle) degree (no abbreviation)
degrees Celsius ºC
degrees Fahrenheit ºF
foot ft
foot-kip ft-kip
foot per hour ft/h
foot per minute ft/min
foot per second ft/s
foot pound ft · lb
foot pound-force ft · lbf
foot second ft · s
gallon gal
hour h
Hertz Hz
inch in.
joule J
kilometer per hour km/h
kilonewton kN
kilopascal kPa
kip kip (no abbreviation)
kip per foot kip/ft
kip per square inch ksi
kip per square foot kip/ft2
liter L
megapascal MPa
meter m
microinch μin
micron μm
mil mil (no abbreviation)
mile mi
milliliter mL
minute min (min. for “minimum”)
newton N
newton meter N·m
newton per meter N/m
ounce oz
pascal Pa
pascal second Pa · s
pound lb
pound-force lbf
pound-force foot lbf · ft
pound-force inch lbf · in.
pound-force per foot lbf/ft
pound-force per inch lbf/in.
pound-force per pound lbf/lb
pound-force per square foot psf
pound-force per square inch psi
pound per cubic foot lb/ft3
pound per cubic inch lb/in.3
xiv

Unit Abbreviation
Unit Abbreviation
pound per cubic yard lb/yd3
pound per foot lb/ft
pound per inch lb/in.
pound per hour lb/h
pound per square foot lb/ft2
pound per yard lb/yd
radian rad
radian per second rad/s
quart qt
second s
square inch in.2
square foot ft2
square meter m2
square mile mi2
square yard yd2
ton ton (no abbreviation)
year y
AASHTO Publications Staff

December 2004
xv

ADDENDUM TO PREFACE:
CHANGED AND DELETED ARTICLES, 2006
SUMMARY OF AFFECTED SECTIONS
The 2006 interim revisions to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, 2nd Edition affect the
following sections:

26. Metal Culverts
27. Concrete Culverts
A. SI Versions of Equations, Figures, and Tables
SECTION 11 REVISIONS
Changed Articles
The following articles in Section 11 contain changes or additions to the specifications, commentary, or both:
11.4.12.2.2 11.5.6.4.1 11.5.6.4.3 11.5.6.4.9c References
Deleted Articles
No articles were deleted from Section 11.
Changed Articles
26.1.1 26.2 26.5.7
Deleted Articles
Changed Articles
27.1 27.3.3.2 27.5.2.1 27.6.3 27.8

27.2 27.3.3.3 27.5.2.2 27.6.4 References
27.3.2 27.3.3.4 27.5.4.3 27.6.6
27.3.3 27.3.4 27.6.1 27.6.7
27.3.3.1 27.4.1 27.6.2 27.6.9
Deleted Articles
xvi

Changed Articles
30.1.1 30.5.6 30.5.6.2

30.2 30.5.6.1 References
Deleted Articles
APPENDIX REVISIONS
Changed Articles
The following article has changes and additions to the SI version of a table:
11.5.6.4.1
Deleted Articles
No equations, tables or figures were deleted from the Appendix.

March 2006
xvii

following Sections:
18. Bearing Devices

26. Metal Culverts
Changed Articles
The following Articles in Section 18 contain changes or additions to the specifications, commentary, or both:
18.1.2.2 18.2.3 18.2.4 18.2.5 References

18.1.4.2 18.2.3.1
Deleted Articles
No Articles were deleted from Section 18.
Changed Articles
26.2 26.5.7 26.5.7.1 26.5.7.2 References
Deleted Articles
Changed Articles
30.5.6.2 References
Deleted Articles

February 2007
xviii

following Sections:
3. Temporary Works
4. Driven Foundation Piles
8. Concrete Structures
9. Reinforcing Steel
10. Prestressing
18. Bearing Devices
SECTION 3 REVISIONS
Changed Articles
3.1.1 References
Deleted Articles
SECTION 4 REVISIONS
Changed Articles
Section 4 has been completely revised and replaced.
SECTION 8 REVISIONS
Changed Articles
The following Article in Section 8 contains changes or additions to the specifications, commentary, or both:
8.2.2
Deleted Articles
SECTION 9 REVISIONS
Changed Articles
9.2.4 9.2.5 9.7.3
Deleted Articles
xix

Changed Articles
10.4.1.1 10.4.2.2.1 10.7 10.8.5 10.11.1

10.4.1.4 10.5.1 10.8.3 10.9.3 10.11.10
Deleted Articles
Changed Articles
11.6 11.9 11.9.1 11.9.2 References
Deleted Articles
Changed Articles
The following Article in Section 18 contain changes or additions to the specifications, commentary, or both:
18.3.3.1
Deleted Articles

January 2008
xx

following sections:

26. Metal Culverts
Changed Articles
11.4.8.1.1 11.4.8.1.3 11.4.8.5 References

11.4.8.1.2 11.4.8.1.4 11.4.9.1
Deleted Articles
Changed Articles
26.1.1 26.3.8.4 26.4.1
Deleted Articles

January 2009
xxi

SECTION 11: STEEL STRUCTURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
11
11.1 GENERAL......................................................................................................................................................... 11-1
11.1.1 Description............................................................................................................................................... 11-1
11.1.2 Notice of Beginning of Work .................................................................................................................. 11-1
11.1.3 Inspection................................................................................................................................................. 11-1
11.1.4 Inspector’s Authority ............................................................................................................................... 11-2
11.2 WORKING DRAWINGS.................................................................................................................................. 11-2
11.2.1 Shop Drawings......................................................................................................................................... 11-2
11.2.2 Erection Drawings ................................................................................................................................... 11-3
11.2.3 Camber Diagram...................................................................................................................................... 11-3
11.3 MATERIALS..................................................................................................................................................... 11-3
11.3.1 Structural Steel......................................................................................................................................... 11-3
11.3.1.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 11-3
11.3.1.2 Carbon Steel .................................................................................................................................. 11-4
11.3.1.3 High-Strength, Low-Alloy Structural Steel ................................................................................... 11-4
11.3.1.4 High-Strength, Low-Alloy, Quenched, and Tempered Structural Steel Plate ............................... 11-4
11.3.1.5 High-Yield-Strength, Quenched, and Tempered Alloy-Steel Plate ............................................... 11-4
11.3.1.6 Eyebars .......................................................................................................................................... 11-4
11.3.1.7 Structural Tubing ........................................................................................................................... 11-5
11.3.2 High-Strength Fasteners........................................................................................................................... 11-5
11.3.2.1 Material.......................................................................................................................................... 11-5
11.3.2.2 Identifying Marks .......................................................................................................................... 11-6
11.3.2.3 Dimensions .................................................................................................................................... 11-7
11.3.2.4 Galvanized High-Strength Fasteners ............................................................................................. 11-7
11.3.2.5 Alternative Fasteners ..................................................................................................................... 11-7
11.3.2.6 Load-Indicator Devices ................................................................................................................. 11-8
11.3.3 Welded Stud Shear Connectors ............................................................................................................... 11-8
11.3.3.1 Materials ........................................................................................................................................ 11-8
11.3.3.2 Test Methods ................................................................................................................................. 11-9
11.3.3.3 Finish ............................................................................................................................................. 11-9
11.3.3.4 Certification ................................................................................................................................... 11-9
11.3.3.5 Check Samples .............................................................................................................................. 11-9
11.3.4 Steel Forgings and Steel Shafting ............................................................................................................ 11-9
11.3.4.1 Steel Forgings ................................................................................................................................ 11-9
11.3.4.2 Cold-Finished Carbon Steel Shafting ............................................................................................ 11-9
11.3.5 Steel Castings......................................................................................................................................... 11-10
11.3.5.1 Mild Steel Castings...................................................................................................................... 11-10
11.3.5.2 Chromium Alloy-Steel Castings .................................................................................................. 11-10
11.3.6 Iron Castings .......................................................................................................................................... 11-10
11.3.6.1 Materials ...................................................................................................................................... 11-10
11.3.6.2 Work Quality and Finish ............................................................................................................. 11-11
11.3.6.3 Cleaning....................................................................................................................................... 11-11
11.3.7 Galvanizing............................................................................................................................................ 11-11
11.4 FABRICATION............................................................................................................................................... 11-11
11.4.1 Identification of Steels During Fabrication............................................................................................ 11-11
11.4.2 Storage of Materials............................................................................................................................... 11-12
11.4.3 Plates...................................................................................................................................................... 11-12
11.4.3.1 Direction of Rolling ..................................................................................................................... 11-12
11.4.3.2 Plate-Cut Edges ........................................................................................................................... 11-12
11.4.3.2.1 Edge Planing...................................................................................................................... 11-12
11.4.3.2.2 Oxygen Cutting ................................................................................................................. 11-12
11.4.3.2.3 Visual Inspection and Repair of Plate-Cut Edges.............................................................. 11-12
11.4.3.3 Bent Plates ................................................................................................................................... 11-12
11.4.3.3.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 11-12
11.4.3.3.2 Cold-Bending .................................................................................................................... 11-13
11-i
Interim
© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. 2006
11-ii AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
11.4.3.3.3 Hot-Bending.......................................................................................................................11-13
11.4.4 Fit of Stiffeners ......................................................................................................................................11-14
11.4.5 Abutting Joints .......................................................................................................................................11-14
11.4.6 Facing of Bearing Surfaces ....................................................................................................................11-14
11.4.7 Straightening Material............................................................................................................................11-15
11.4.8 Bolt Holes ..............................................................................................................................................11-15
11.4.8.1 Holes for High-Strength Bolts and Unfinished Bolts...................................................................11-15
11.4.8.1.1 General...............................................................................................................................11-15
11.4.8.1.2 Punched Holes ...................................................................................................................11-16
11.4.8.1.3 Reamed or Drilled Holes ...................................................................................................11-16
11.4.8.1.4 Accuracy of Holes ..........................................................................................................11-16.1
11.4.8.2 Accuracy of Hole Group ..............................................................................................................11-17
11.4.8.2.1 Accuracy Before Reaming .................................................................................................11-17
11.4.8.2.2 Accuracy After Reaming ...................................................................................................11-17
11.4.8.3 Numerically-Controlled Drilled Field Connections .....................................................................11-17
11.4.8.4 Holes for Ribbed Bolts, Turned Bolts, or Other Approved Bearing-Type Bolts .........................11-18
11.4.8.5 Preparation of Field Connections.................................................................................................11-18
11.4.9 Pins and Rollers ..................................................................................................................................11-18.1
11.4.9.1 General......................................................................................................................................11-18.1
11.4.9.2 Boring Pin Holes..........................................................................................................................11-19
11.4.9.3 Threads for Bolts and Pins ...........................................................................................................11-19
11.4.10 Eyebars.................................................................................................................................................11-19
11.4.11 Annealing and Stress Relieving ...........................................................................................................11-20
11.4.12 Curved Girders .....................................................................................................................................11-20
11.4.12.1 General.......................................................................................................................................11-20
11.4.12.2 Heat-Curving Rolled Beams and Welded Girders .....................................................................11-20
11.4.12.2.1 Materials ..........................................................................................................................11-20
11.4.12.2.2 Type of Heating ...............................................................................................................11-21
11.4.12.2.3 Temperature .....................................................................................................................11-22
11.4.12.2.4 Position for Heating .........................................................................................................11-22
11.4.12.2.5 Sequence of Operations ...................................................................................................11-22
11.4.12.2.6 Camber.............................................................................................................................11-23
11.4.12.2.7 Measurement of Curvature and Camber ..........................................................................11-23
11.4.13 Orthotropic-Deck Superstructures........................................................................................................11-23
11.4.13.1 General.......................................................................................................................................11-23
11.4.13.2 Flatness of Panels.......................................................................................................................11-24
11.4.13.3 Straightness of Longitudinal Stiffeners Subject to Calculated Compressive Stress, Including
Orthotropic-Deck Ribs................................................................................................................................11-24
11.4.13.4 Straightness of Transverse Web Stiffeners and Other Stiffeners Not Subject to Calculated
Compressive Stress .....................................................................................................................................11-24
11.4.14 Full-Size Tests......................................................................................................................................11-25
11.4.15 Marking and Shipping..........................................................................................................................11-25
11.5 ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................................................................................11-25
11.5.1 Bolting....................................................................................................................................................11-25
11.5.2 Welded Connections ..............................................................................................................................11-25
11.5.3 Preassembly of Field Connections .........................................................................................................11-26
11.5.3.1 General.........................................................................................................................................11-26
11.5.3.2 Bolted Connections ......................................................................................................................11-26
11.5.3.3 Check Assembly—Numerically- Controlled Drilling..................................................................11-26
11.5.3.4 Field-Welded Connections...........................................................................................................11-27
11.5.4 Match-Marking ......................................................................................................................................11-27
11.5.5 Connections Using Unfinished, Turned, or Ribbed Bolts ......................................................................11-27
11.5.5.1 General.........................................................................................................................................11-27
11.5.5.2 Turned Bolts.................................................................................................................................11-27
11.5.5.3 Ribbed Bolts.................................................................................................................................11-28
11.5.6 Connections Using High-Strength Bolts ................................................................................................11-28
11.5.6.1 General.........................................................................................................................................11-28
Interim
2006 2009 © 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
SECTION 11: STEEL STRUCTURES 11-15
11.4.7 Straightening Material
The straightening of plates, angles, other shapes, and

built-up members, when permitted by the Engineer, shall
be done by methods that will not produce fracture or other
injury to the metal. Distorted members shall be
straightened by mechanical means or, if approved by the
Engineer, by carefully planned procedures and supervised
application of a limited amount of localized heat, except
that heat-straightening of AASHTO M 270M/M 270
(ASTM A 709/A 709M) Grades 70W, HPS 70W, 100, and
100W (Grades 485W, HPS 485W, 690, and 690W) steel
members shall be done only under rigidly controlled
procedures, each application subject to the approval of the
Engineer. In no case shall the maximum temperature
exceed values in Table 11.4.7-1.
Table 11.4.7-1 Maximum Straightening

Temperature.
AASHTO
M 270M/M 270
(ASTM A 709/A 709M)
Grades Temperature
70W 1050°F
HPS 70W 1100°F
100 1100°F
100W 1100°F
In all other steels, the temperature of the heated area

shall not exceed 1200°F (650°C) as controlled by
temperature indicating crayons, liquids, or bimetal
thermometers. Heating in excess of the limits shown shall
be cause for rejection, unless the Engineer allows testing to
verify material integrity.
Parts to be heat-straightened shall be substantially free
of stress and from external forces, except stresses resulting
from mechanical means used in conjunction with the
application of heat.
Evidence of fracture following straightening of a bend
or buckle will be cause for rejection of the damaged piece.
11.4.8 Bolt Holes
11.4.8.1 Holes for High-Strength Bolts and

Unfinished Bolts
11.4.8.1.1 General C11.4.8.1.1
All holes for bolts shall be either punched or drilled, Previous punching restrictions whenever the thickness
except as noted herein. The width of each standard of the material was not greater than 0.75 in. (20 mm) for
hole shall be the nominal diameter of the bolt plus structural steel, 0.625 in. (16 mm) for high strength steel,
0.0625 in. The standard hole diameter for metric bolts or 0.5 in. (12 mm) for quenched-and-tempered alloy steel,
M24 and smaller shall be the nominal diameter of the bolt are upper limits but punching equipment may be more
plus 2 mm. For metric bolts M27 and larger, the standard restrictive.
hole diameter shall be the nominal diameter of the bolt
plus 3 mm.
Interim
2009
11-16 AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
Except as noted in the articles below, material For other dimensional criteria assumed in the design
forming parts of a member composed of not more than of bolted details, e.g., oversize holes, slotted holes, edge
five thicknesses of metal may be punched full-size. distances, and end distances, see Article 6.13.2, “Bolted
When more than five thicknesses of material are Connections,” of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design
joined or, as required by Article 11.4.8.5, material shall be Specifications.
subdrilled or subpunched and then reamed full-size, or
drilled full-size while in assembly.
When required, all holes shall be either subpunched
or subdrilled 0.1875 in. (5 mm) smaller and, after
assembling, reamed or drilled to full size.
Holes in cross frames, lateral bracing components,
and the corresponding holes in connection plates between
girders and cross frames or lateral components may be
punched full size. Holes in longitudinal main load-carrying
members, transverse floorbeams, and any components
designated as fracture critical (FCMs) shall not be punched
full-size.
When shown in the contract documents, enlarged or
slotted holes are allowed with high-strength bolts.
With the owner’s approval, round or slotted holes for With the owner’s approval, round or slotted holes for
non-main members in thin plate may be thermally cut by non-main members in thin plate may successfully be
plasma, laser, or oxygen-acetylene methods subject to the thermally cut by plasma, laser, or oxygen-acetylene
requirements herein. means. The maximum surface roughness of ANSI 1000
μin. (25 μm) and the conical taper of the hole must be
maintained within tolerance. See references AISC Steel
Construction Manual, 13th Edition, Section M2.5; RCSC
Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or
A490 Bolts, Section 3.3; and NSBA Steel Bridge
Fabrication, S2.1.
11.4.8.1.2 Punched Holes
If any holes must be enlarged to admit the bolts, such

holes shall be reamed. Holes must be clean-cut without
torn or ragged edges. The slightly conical hole that
naturally results from punching operations shall be
considered acceptable.
11.4.8.1.3 Reamed or Drilled Holes
Reamed or drilled holes shall be cylindrical,

perpendicular to the member, and shall comply with the
requirements of Article 11.4.8.1.1 as to size. Where
practical, reamers shall be directed by mechanical means.
Burrs on the outside surfaces shall be removed. Reaming
and drilling shall be done with twist drills, twist reamers,
or rotobroach cutters. Connecting parts requiring reamed
or drilled holes shall be assembled and securely held while
being reamed or drilled and shall be match-marked before
disassembling.
Interim
2009
SECTION 11: STEEL STRUCTURES 11-16.1
11.4.8.1.4 Accuracy of Holes
Holes not more than 0.03125 in. (0.8 mm) larger in

diameter than the true decimal equivalent of the nominal
diameter that may result from a drill or reamer of the
nominal diameter shall be considered acceptable. The
width of slotted holes which are produced by thermal
cutting or a combination of drilling or punching and
thermal cutting should be not more than 0.03125 in. (0.8
mm) greater than the nominal width. The thermally-cut
surface shall be ground smooth to obtain a maximum
surface roughness of ANSI 1000 μin. (25 μm).
Interim
2009
11-16.2 AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
This page is intentionally left blank.
Interim
2009
SECTION 11: STEEL STRUCTURES 11-17
11.4.8.2 Accuracy of Hole Group
11.4.8.2.1 Accuracy Before Reaming
All holes punched full-size, subpunched, or subdrilled

shall be so accurately punched that after assembling
(before any reaming is done) a cylindrical pin 0.125 in.
(3 mm) smaller in diameter than the nominal size of the
punched hole may be entered perpendicular to the face of
the member, without drifting, in at least 75 percent of the
contiguous holes in the same plane. If the requirement is
not fulfilled, the badly punched pieces shall be rejected. If
any hole will not pass a pin 0.1875 in. (5 mm) smaller in
diameter than the nominal size of the punched hole, this
shall be cause for rejection.
11.4.8.2.2 Accuracy After Reaming
When holes are reamed or drilled, 85 percent of the

holes in any contiguous group shall, after reaming or
drilling, show no offset greater than 0.03125 in. (0.8 mm)
between adjacent thicknesses of metal.
All steel templates shall have hardened steel bushings
in holes accurately dimensioned from the centerlines of the
connection as inscribed on the template. The centerlines
shall be used in locating accurately the template from the
milled or scribed ends of the members.
11.4.8.3 Numerically-Controlled Drilled Field

Connections
In lieu of subsized holes and reaming while

assembled, or drilling holes full-size while assembled, the
Contractor shall have the option to drill or punch bolt
holes full-size in unassembled pieces and/or connections
including templates for use with matching subsized and
reamed holes, by means of suitable numerically-controlled
(N/C) drilling or punching equipment. Full-size punched
holes shall meet the requirements of Article 11.4.8.1.
If N/C drilling or punching equipment is used, the
Contractor shall be required to demonstrate the accuracy
of this drilling or punching procedure in accordance with
the provisions of Article 11.5.3.3, “Check Assembly—
Numerically-Controlled Drilling,” by means of check
assemblies.
Holes drilled or punched by N/C equipment shall be
drilled or punched to appropriate size either through
individual pieces or drilled through any combination of
pieces held tightly together.

11.4.8.4 Holes for Ribbed Bolts, Turned Bolts,

or Other Approved Bearing-Type Bolts
All holes for ribbed bolts, turned bolts, or other

approved bearing-type bolts shall be subpunched or
subdrilled 0.1875 in. (5 mm) smaller than the nominal
diameter of the bolt and reamed when assembled, or
drilled to a steel template or, after assembling, drilled from
the solid at the option of the Fabricator. In any case, the
finished holes shall provide a driving fit as specified in the
contract documents.
11.4.8.5 Preparation of Field Connections
Holes in all field connections and field splices of main

member of trusses, arches, continuous-beam spans, bents,
towers (each face), plate girders, and rigid frames shall be
subpunched or subdrilled and subsequently reamed while
assembled or drilled full-size through a steel template
while assembled. Holes in cross frames, lateral bracing
components, and the corresponding holes in connection
plates between girders and cross frames or lateral
components may be punched full size. Holes in
longitudinal main load-carrying members, transverse
floorbeams, and any components designated as fracture
critical (FCMs) shall not be punched full-size. Holes for
field splices of rolled beam stringers continuous over floor
beams or cross frames may be drilled full-size
unassembled to a steel template. All holes for floorbeams
or cross frames may be drilled full-size unassembled to a
steel template, except that all holes for floor beam and
stringer field end connections shall be subpunched and
reamed while assembled or drilled full-size to a steel
template. Reaming or drilling full-size of field-connection
holes through a steel template shall be done after the
template has been located with utmost care as to position
and angle and firmly bolted in place. Templates used for
reaming matching members or the opposite faces of a
single member shall be exact duplicates. Templates used
for connections on like parts or members shall be so
accurately located that the parts or members are duplicates
and require no match-marking.
For any connection, in lieu of subpunching and
reaming or subdrilling and reaming, the Fabricator may, at
the Fabricator’s option, drill holes full-size with all
thicknesses or material assembled in proper position.
Interim
2009
11.4.9 Pins and Rollers
11.4.9.1 General
Pins and rollers shall be accurately turned to the

dimensions shown on the drawings and shall be straight,
smooth, and free from flaws. Pins and rollers more than
9.0 in. (225 mm) in diameter shall be forged and annealed.
Pins and rollers 9.0 in. (225 mm) or less in diameter may
be either forged and annealed or cold-finished carbon-steel
shafting.
In pins larger than 9.0 in. (225 mm) in diameter, a
hole not less than 2.0 in. (50 mm) in diameter shall be
bored full-length along the axis after the forging has been
allowed to cool to a temperature below the critical range,
under suitable conditions to prevent injury by too rapid
cooling, and before being annealed.
Interim
2009
Interim
2009
Interim
2008
REFERENCES
AASHTO. 2002. Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 17th Edition, HB-17, American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC.
AASHTO. 2003. Guide Specifications for Highway Bridge Fabrication with HPS70W Steel, HBF-2, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC.
AASHTO. 2004 with interims. AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 3rd Edition, LRFDUS-3 or LRFDSI-3,
American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials, Washington, DC. Available in customary U.S. units
or SI units.
AASHTO. 2007. Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing,
27th Edition, HM-27, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC.
AASHTO and AWS. 2002. AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Code, BWC-4, American Welding Society,
Washington, DC.
AISC. 2003. LRFD Manual of Steel Construction, 3rd Edition, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
AISC. 2005. Steel Construction Manual, 13th Edition, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
AISC Quality Certification Program, American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL, Category I: Structural Steel
and Category III: Fracture-Critical. See http://www.aisc.org.
ASCE. 1970. “Experimental Stresses and Strains from Heat Curving,” Journal of the Structural Division, Volume 96,
No. ST7, American Society of Civil Engineers, New York. Journal published since 1983 (vol. 109) under the title Journal
of Structural Engineering.
ASCE. 1970. “Theoretical Stresses and Strains from Heat Curving,” Journal of the Structural Division, Volume 96,
ASCE. 1970. “Criteria for Heat Curving Steel Beams and Girders,” Journal of the Structural Division, Volume 96,
ASME. Daniels, J. H., and R. P. Bacheler. 1979. Fatigue of Curved Steel Bridge Elements: Effect of Heat Curving on the
Fatigue Strength of Plate Girders, Report No. FHWA-RD-79-136, Federal Highway Administration, August 1979,
Washington, DC.
FHWA. 1999. Summary of High-Performance Steel Grade 70W Studies, Demonstration Project No. TE-50, High-
Performance for Bridges, Turner-Fairbank Highway Laboratories, Federal Highway Administration, McLean, VA,
October 1999.
Hilton, M. H. 1984. “Deflections and Camber Loss in Heat-Curved Girders.” Transportation Research Record 950, Vol. 2,
Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC, pp. 51–59.
NSBA. 2002. Steel Bridge Fabrication Guide Specifications, S2.1, National Steel Bridge Alliance, Chicago, IL. See also
AASHTO NSBASBF-1 2002. [2nd edition under review]
NSBA. 2007. Steel Bridge Erection Guide Specification, S10.1, National Steel Bridge Alliance, Chicago, IL. See also
AASHTO NSBASBEGS-1, 2007.
Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC). 2004. Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490
Bolts. American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
Interim
2006 2008 2009
REFERENCES 11-55
S. Roy, J. W. Fisher, and B. T. Yen. 2005. Post-weld Enhancement in Fatigue Strength of Transverse Stiffeners and
Cover-plates using Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT), Draft Report of FHWA. Report No. 05-12, ATLSS
Engineering Research Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA.
S. Roy, J. W. Fisher. 2005. “Enhancing Fatigue Strength by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment.” International
Journal of Steel Structures, Vol. 5, pp. 241–252.
SSTC. 1996. Structural Bolting Handbook, SBH-1, Steel Structures Technology Center, Inc., Novi, MI.
U.S. Steel. 2001. Fabrication Aids for Continuously Heat-Curved Girders, ADUSS 88-5538-01, United States Steel
Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA.
U.S. Steel. 2002. Fabrication Aids for Girders Curved with V-Heats, ADUSS 88-5539-02, United States Steel
Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA.
Wilson, P. J., R. R. Duncan, III, and J. W. Fisher. 1988. Repair of Fatigue Cracks in Steel Box Girder Bridges on I-110.
Proceedings of the 5th Annual International Bridge Conference. Paper IBC-88-44, Pittsburgh, PA, pp. 234–241.
W. C. Young, and R. G. Budynas. 2002. Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain, 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New
York, NY.
Interim
2006 2008 2009
SECTION 26: METAL CULVERTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
266
26.1 GENERAL......................................................................................................................................................... 26-1
26.1.1 Description............................................................................................................................................... 26-1
26.2 WORKING DRAWINGS.................................................................................................................................. 26-1
26.3 MATERIALS ............................................................................................................................................. 26-1
26.3.1 Corrugated Metal Pipe ............................................................................................................................. 26-1
26.3.2 Structural Plate......................................................................................................................................... 26-1
26.3.3 Nuts and Bolts.......................................................................................................................................... 26-2
26.3.4 Mixing of Materials ................................................................................................................................. 26-2
26.3.5 Fabrication ............................................................................................................................................... 26-2
26.3.6 Welding.................................................................................................................................................... 26-2
26.3.7 Protective Coatings .................................................................................................................................. 26-2
26.3.8 Bedding and Backfill Materials ............................................................................................................... 26-3
26.3.8.1 General ..........................................................................................................................................26-3
26.3.8.2 Long-Span Structures ....................................................................................................................26-3
26.3.8.3 Box Culverts ..................................................................................................................................26-3
26.3.8.4 Deep Corrugated Structures...........................................................................................................26-3
26.4 ASSEMBLY ...................................................................................................................................................... 26-4
26.4.1 General..................................................................................................................................................... 26-4
26.4.2 Joints ........................................................................................................................................................ 26-4
26.4.2.1 Field Joints..................................................................................................................................26-4.1
26.4.2.2 Joint Types..................................................................................................................................26-4.1
26.4.2.3 Soil Conditions ..............................................................................................................................26-5
26.4.2.4 Joint Properties ..............................................................................................................................26-5
26.4.3 Assembly of Long-Span Structures ......................................................................................................... 26-6
26.5 INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................................. 26-7
26.5.1 General..................................................................................................................................................... 26-7
26.5.2 Foundation ............................................................................................................................................... 26-7
26.5.3 Bedding.................................................................................................................................................... 26-9
26.5.4 Structure Backfill................................................................................................................................... 26-10
26.5.4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................26-10
26.5.4.2 Arches..........................................................................................................................................26-11
26.5.4.3 Long-Span Structures ..................................................................................................................26-11
26.5.4.4 Box Culverts ................................................................................................................................26-12
26.5.5 Bracing................................................................................................................................................... 26-12
26.5.6 Arch Substructures and Headwalls ........................................................................................................ 26-12
26.5.7 Inspection Requirements for CMP......................................................................................................... 26-13
26.5.7.1 Visual Inspection .........................................................................................................................26-13
26.5.7.2 Installation Deflection .................................................................................................................26-14
26.6 CONSTRUCTION PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................................................... 2
26.7 MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 26-15
26.8 PAYMENT ...................................................................................................................................................... 26-15
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................................... 26-16
26-i Interim
2006 2007 2009
SECTION 26
METAL CULVERTS
266
26.1 GENERAL
26.1.1 Description C26.1.1
This work shall consist of furnishing, fabricating, The terms “metal pipe” and “metal structural plate
installing, and inspecting metal pipe, structural plate metal pipe” includes circular and pipe arch, underpass and
pipe, arches, pipe arches, box structures, and deep elliptical shapes. “Metal structural plate arches” consist of
corrugated structures in conformance with these a metal plate arch supported on reinforced concrete
Specifications, and the details shown in the contract footings with or without a paved invert slab. “Pipe arches”
documents. As used in this specification, long-span are constructed to form a pipe having an arch-shaped
structures are metal plate horizontal elliptic, inverted pear crown and a relatively flat invert. “Structural plate metal
and multiple radius arch shapes, as well as special shape box structures” are conduits, rectangular in cross section,
culverts as defined in Section 12 of the AASHTO LRFD constructed of metal plates.
Bridge Design Specifications.
The metal culvert description refers to Section 12,
“Buried Structures and Tunnel Liners,” of the AASHTO
LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
26.2 WORKING DRAWINGS
Where specified or requested by the Engineer, the

Contractor shall provide Manufacturer’s installation
instructions or working drawings and substantiating
calculations in sufficient detail to permit a structural
review. The working drawings shall be submitted in
advance of construction to allow for their review, revision,
and approval without delay to the work.
The Contractor shall not start the construction of any
metal culvert for which working drawings are required
until the drawings have been approved by the Engineer.
Such approval will not relieve the Contractor of
responsibility for results obtained by use of these drawings
or any other contractual responsibilities.
26.3 MATERIALS
26.3.1 Corrugated Metal Pipe
Steel pipe shall conform to the requirements of

AASHTO M 36 (ASTM A 760/A 760M).
Aluminum pipe shall conform to the requirements of
AASHTO M 196 (ASTM B 745/B 745M).
26.3.2 Structural Plate
Steel structural plate shall conform to the requirements of

AASHTO M 167M/M 167 (ASTM A 761/A 761M).
Aluminum alloy structural plate shall conform to the
requirements of AASHTO M 219 (ASTM B 746/B 746M).
26-1 Interim
2006 2007 2009
26.3.3 Nuts and Bolts
Nuts and bolts for steel structural plate pipe, arches,

pipe arches, and box structures shall conform to the
requirements of AASHTO M 167M/M 167 (ASTM
A 761/A 761M). Nuts and bolts for aluminum structural
plate shall be aluminum conforming to the requirements of
ASTM F 468 (ASTM F 468M) or standard strength steel
conforming to ASTM A 307.
26.3.4 Mixing of Materials
Aluminum and steel materials shall not be mixed in

any installation unless the materials are adequately
separated or protected to avoid galvanic reactions. Hot dip
galvanized steel and stainless steel bolts and nuts are
acceptable for connection of aluminum structural plate.
26.3.5 Fabrication
Plates at longitudinal and circumferential seams shall

be connected by bolts with the seams staggered so that not
more than three plates come together at any one point.
26.3.6 Welding C26.3.6
If required, welding of steel shall conform to the Welding references AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5
current AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5 Bridge Welding Bridge Welding Code and ANSI/AWS D1.2/D1.2M
Code. All welding of steel plates, other than fittings, shall Structural Welding Code—Aluminum.
be performed prior to galvanizing.
If required, welding of aluminum shall conform to the
ANSI/AWS D1.2/D1.2M Structural Welding Code—
Aluminum.
26.3.7 Protective Coatings
When required in the contract documents, metal pipes

and structural metal plate culverts shall be protected with
bituminous coating or have the invert paved with
bituminous material. Bituminous coatings shall be applied
as provided in AASHTO M 190, Type A, unless otherwise
specified in the contract documents. If required,
bituminous pavings shall be applied over the bituminous
coatings to the inside bottom portion of pipe as provided in
AASHTO M 190, Type C, unless otherwise specified in
the contract documents. The portion of all nuts and bolts
used for assembly of coated structural plate pipe, arches,
pipe arches, and box culverts, projecting outside the pipe
shall be coated after installation. The portions of the nuts
and bolts projecting inside the pipe need not be coated.
When required in contract documents, polymeric
coatings shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO
M 246 (ASTM A 742/A 742M). The polymeric coating
shall be applied to the galvanized sheet prior to
corrugating and, unless otherwise specified in the contract
documents, the thickness shall be not less than 0.010 in.

SECTION 26: METAL CULVERTS 26-3
(0.25 mm). Any pinholes, blisters, cracks, or lack of

bond shall be cause for rejection. Polymeric coatings are
not permitted on structural plate.
26.3.8 Bedding and Backfill Materials
26.3.8.1 General
Bedding shall be loose native or granular material

with a maximum particle size less than one-half the
corrugation depth. Backfill for metal culverts shall be
granular material, as specified in the contract documents
and specifications, and shall be free of organic material,
rock fragments larger than 3.0 in. (75 mm) in the greatest
dimension, and frozen lumps, and shall have a moisture
content within the limits required for compaction. As a
minimum, backfill materials shall meet the requirements
of AASHTO M 145 for A-1, A-2, or A-3.
26.3.8.2 Long-Span Structures
Bedding and backfill materials shall meet the general

requirements of Article 26.3.8.1. As a minimum, backfill
materials for structures with less than 12.0 ft (3600 mm) of
cover shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M 145 for
A-1, A-2-4, A-2-5, or A-3. Minimum backfill requirements
for structures with 12.0 ft (3600 mm) or more cover shall
meet AASHTO M 145 requirements for A-1 or A-3.
26.3.8.3 Box Culverts
Bedding and backfill materials shall meet the general

requirements of Article 26.3.8.1. As a minimum, backfill
shall meet the requirements of AASHTO M 145 for A-1,
A-2-4, A-2-5, or A-3.
26.3.8.4 Deep Corrugated Structures
For deep corrugated structures, the select backfill

within the structural backfill zone shall meet the
requirements of AASHTO M 145 A-1, A-2-4, A-2-5, or
A-3 (ASTM D 2487 classifications GW, GP, SW, SP,
GM, SM, SC, GC) and the manufacturer’s requirements.

26.4 ASSEMBLY
26.4.1 General C26.4.1
Corrugated metal pipe and structural plate pipe shall

be assembled in accordance with the Manufacturer's
instructions. All pipe shall be unloaded and handled with
reasonable care. Pipe or plates shall not be rolled or
dragged over gravel or rock, and shall be prevented from
striking rock or other hard objects during placement in the
trench or on the bedding.
Corrugated metal pipe shall be placed in the bed
starting at the downstream end. Pipes with circumferential
seams shall be installed with their inside circumferential
sheet laps pointing downstream.
Bituminous coated pipe, polymer coated pipe, and
paved invert pipe shall be installed in a similar manner to
corrugated metal pipe with special care in handling to
avoid damage to coatings. Paved invert pipe shall be
installed with the invert pavement placed and centered on
the bottom.
Structural metal plate culverts and pipes shall be There is no structural requirement for residual torque;
assembled and installed as specified in the contract the important factor is the seam fit-up.
documents and detailed erection instructions. Copies of When seam sealant tape or a shop-applied asphalt
the Manufacturer's assembly instructions shall be coating is used, bolts should be retightened no more than
furnished as specified in Article 26.2. Bolted once, and generally within 24 h after initial tightening.
longitudinal seams shall be well fitted with the lapping
plates parallel to each other. The applied bolt torque for
0.75-in. diameter (M20) high strength steel bolts
(ASTM A 449) for the assembly of steel structural plate
shall be a minimum of 100 ft ⋅ lb (135 000 N ⋅ mm) and
a maximum of 300 ft ⋅ lb (407 000 N ⋅ mm). Aluminum
structural plate shall be assembled using 0.75-in.
diameter (M20) aluminum bolts (ASTM F 468 (ASTM
F 468M)) or standard strength steel bolts (ASTM A 307)
which shall be torqued to a minimum of 100 ft ⋅ lb
(135 000 N ⋅ mm) and a maximum of 150 ft ⋅ lb
(203 000 N ⋅ mm).
Longitudinal seams in deep corrugated structures shall
be staggered.
26.4.2 Joints
Joints for corrugated metal culvert and drainage pipe

shall meet the following performance requirements.
Interim
2009
SECTION 26: METAL CULVERTS 26-4.1
26.4.2.1 Field Joints C26.4.2.1
Transverse field joints shall be of such design that the Suitable transverse field joints, which satisfy the
successive connection of pipe sections form a continuous requirements for one or more of the subsequently defined
line free from appreciable irregularities in the flow line. In joint performance categories, can be obtained with the
addition, the joints shall meet the general performance following types of connecting bands furnished with the
requirements described in Articles 26.4.2.2 through suitable band-end fastening devices:
26.4.2.4.
• Corrugated bands
• Bands with projections
• Flat bands
• Bands of special design that engage factory

reformed ends of corrugated pipe
• Other equally effective types of field joints may

be used with the approval of the Engineer.
26.4.2.2 Joint Types C26.4.2.2
The contract document should specify either Standard joints are for pipe not subject to large soil
“Standard” or “Special” joints as appropriate for the movements or disjointing forces. These joints are
requirements at hand. satisfactory for ordinary installations where simple slip-
type joints are typically used. Special joints are for more
severe requirements such as the need to withstand soil
movements or resist disjointing forces. Examples of
conditions leading to more severe requirements include
poor foundation conditions or conditions producing
longitudinal hydraulic forces requiring downdrain joints
such as pipes on steep slopes or sharp curves.
Interim
2009
Interim
2009

AAHTO LRFD Construction Specifications 2nd Edition 2004 - 2009 Revisions

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

AAHTO LRFD Construction Specifications 2nd Edition 2004 - 2009 Revisions

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

AASHTO LRFD Bridge

2009 Interim Revisions

2009 Interim Revisions

ISBN: 978-1-56051-431-2 Publication Code: LRFDCONS-2-I4

President: J. Bryan Nicol, Indiana

REGION I: Allen Biehler, Pennsylvania, One-Year Term

REGION II: Fernando Fagundo, Puerto Rico, One-Year Term

REGION III: Gloria Jeff, Michigan, One-Year Term

REGION IV: Tom Norton, Colorado, One-Year Term

Immediate Past President: John R. Njord, Utah

ALABAMA, William F. Conway, George H. Connor PENNSYLVANIA, R. Scott Christie, Harold C.

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

1. Structure Excavation and Backfill

AASHTO Guide for Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements. 1998.

AASHTO Guide Specifications—Thermal Effects in Concrete Bridge Superstructures. 1989.

AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction. 1998.

AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design. 1998.

Bridge Data Exchange (BDX) Technical Data Guide. 1995.

Bridge Welding Code: AASHTO/AWS-D1.5M/D1.5: 2002, an American National Standard. 2002.

Construction Handbook for Bridge Temporary Works. 1995.

Guide Design Specifications for Bridge Temporary Works. 1995.

Guide for Painting Steel Structures. 1997.

Guide Specifications for Aluminum Highway Bridges. 1991.

Guide Specifications for Bridge Railings. 1989.

Guide Specifications for Design of Pedestrian Bridges. 1997.

Guide Specifications for Fatigue Evaluation of Existing Steel Bridges. 1990.

Guide Specifications for Seismic Isolation Design. 1999.

Guide Specifications for Structural Design of Sound Barriers. 1989.

Guide Specifications for the Design of Stress-Laminated Wood Decks. 1991.

Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges. 2000.

Movable Bridge Inspection, Evaluation and Maintenance Manual. 1998.

Standard Specifications for Movable Highway Bridges. 1988.

Guide Specifications for Cathodic Protection of Concrete Bridge Decks. 1994.

Guide Specifications for Polymer Concrete Bridge Deck Overlays. 1995.

Guide Specifications for Shotcrete Repair of Highway Bridges. 1998.

Inspector’s Guide for Shotcrete Repair of Bridges. 1999.

Manual for Corrosion Protection of Concrete Components in Bridges. 1992.

Design Drawing Presentation Guidelines. 2003.

Guidelines for Design Constructability. 2003.

Shop Detail Drawing Presentation Guidelines. 2003.

Shop Detail Drawing Review/Approval Guidelines. 2003.

Steel Bridge Fabrication Guide Specification. 2003.

Steel Bridge Fabrication QC/QA Guide Specification. 2003.

AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures

Article Revised Balloted 2003 Balloted 2004

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

AASHTO Publications Staff

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

11. Steel Structures

11.4.12.2.2 11.5.6.4.1 11.5.6.4.3 11.5.6.4.9c References

No articles were deleted from Section 11.

26.1.1 26.2 26.5.7

No articles were deleted from Section 26.

27.1 27.3.3.2 27.5.2.1 27.6.3 27.8

No articles were deleted from Section 27.

© 2008 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

30.1.1 30.5.6 30.5.6.2

No articles were deleted from Section 30.

No equations, tables or figures were deleted from the Appendix.

AASHTO Publications Staff