Bridge Design Manual LRFD
This manual has been prepared to provide Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge design engineers with a guide to the design criteria, analysis methods, and detailing procedures for the preparation of highway bridge and structure construction plans, specifications, and estimates.
Bridge Design Manual Memorandums
Bridge design memorandums are issued as interim updates to the Bridge Design Manual.
Active design memorandums supersede the contents of the Bridge Design Manual and are currently in force. View Active Bridge Design Manual memorandums.
Inactive memorandums provide historical context and background on design policies incorporated into the Bridge Design Manual. View Inactive Bridge Design Manual memorandums.
Individual Chapters
Contents (PDF 278KB)
Foreword (PDF 96KB)
Chapter 1 General Information (PDF 1.0MB)
Chapter 2 Preliminary Design (PDF 3.6MB)
Chapter 3 Loads (PDF 906KB)
Chapter 4 Seismic Design and Retrofit (PDF 4.7MB)
Chapter 5 Concrete Structures (PDF 18.2MB)
Chapter 6 Structural Steel (PDF 2.2MB)
Chapter 7 Substructure Design (PDF 2.4MB)
Chapter 8 Walls and Buried Structures (PDF 3.0MB)
Chapter 9 Bearings and Expansion Joints (PDF 1.5MB)
Chapter 10 Sign, Barriers, Approach Slabs, and Utilities (PDF 8.6MB)
Chapter 11 Detailing Practice (PDF 1.4MB)
Chapter 12 Quantities, Costs, and Specifications (PDF 2.5MB)
Chapter 13 Bridge Load Rating (PDF 1.9MB)
Chapter 14 Accelerated and Innovative Bridge Construction (PDF 2.5MB)
Chapter 15 Structural Design Requirements for Design-Build Contracts (PDF 1.5MB)
Revision History
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M 23-50.01 February 2007
November 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2005
April 2005
August 2002
Traction tires are a special type of tire
manufactured with at least 1/8 of an inch tread. Traction tires are usually marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol, the letters M+S or “All Season.”
Carry chains, practice before leaving
Requiring chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway.
Prep your car. Fill up your gas tank,
pack jumper cables, ice scraper, warm clothing, snacks and water.