Design of a multi-span plate girder highway bridge using LRFD bridge specifications

The design of the superstructure of a multi-span plate girder bridge was performed using the new AASHTOILRFD bridge specifications. The bridge was composed of three continuous spans of 100'-120'-100' designed to carry interstate traffic over a relatively wide river. The roadway width was 44'-0" and the girder spacing was 8'- 0". The design was composite in both the positive and negative moment regions. The report includes a review of the loading criteria for the new specifications which are relevant to the project. Comparisons are made between the current 1992 AASHTO requirements and the new AASHTOILRFD requirements. The project includes a detailed analysis of the loads and the moment and shear envelopes. Finally, the design, in accordance with the new specifications, is presented along with drawings and conclusions.