Substructure design for bridges & structures

Bridge elements supporting the superstructure are substructure elements.

Design guidance including design considerations, modeling for seismic loads, and design of substructure elements such as columns, abutments, footings, shafts, piling, and concrete-filled steel tubes

Design memorandum

Design memorandum are issued as interim updates to the Bridge Design Manual. Active design memorandums supersede the Bridge Design Manual contents and are currently enforced.

  • There are currently no design memorandums related to this topic

Related manual chapters

Chapter 7 - Substructure Design (PDF 2.4MB) provides guidance for substructure design including:

  • Foundation modeling for seismic loads
  • Columns
  • Abutments
  • Wing and curtain walls
  • Footings
  • Shafts
  • Piling
  • Concrete filled steel tubes

Chapter 5 - Concrete Structures (PDF 18MB) is a secondary resource for substructure design providing guidance for cast-in-place reinforced concrete bridge elements.

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.

Drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety.

Phone down, eyes up.

Pay attention – both to workers directing you and to surrounding traffic.

Stay calm

Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no appointment is worth risking someone’s life.