Seismic design for bridges & structures

Find seismic design and retrofit information for new and existing structures.

Related manual chapters

Chapter 4 - Seismic Design and Retrofit (PDF 4.7MB) provides guidance for expected bridge performance and post-earthquake service levels. This chapter details WSDOT additions and modifications to the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. It also includes design requirements for widening projects, retrofit projects and walls and buried structures.

Bridge Design Manual 

Complete Bridge design guidance is found in the Bridge Design Manual (M 23-50).

See all manuals and standards

Slow down – lives are on the line. 

In 2023, speeding continued to be a top reason for work zone crashes.

Even one life lost is too many.

Fatal work zone crashes doubled in 2023 - Washington had 10 fatal work zone crashes on state roads.

It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.

95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.