Design of Highway Bridges: Based on AASHTO LRFD, Bridge Design Specifications

Bridges are the lynchpin of the transportation network. They are expensive to build, and how well their design handles the parameters of strength, durability, capacity, and safety can determine the viability of the entire system. This book provides a complete introduction to this important area of engineering, with comprehensive coverage of the theory, specifications, and procedures for the design of short- and medium span bridges. Beginning with an overview of bridge engineering history, the book examines key bridge types, selection principles, and aesthetic considerations. Design issues are then discussed in detail, from limit states and loads to resistance factors and substructure design. Up-to-date with the latest American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and current system analysis techniques, the text features discrete coverage of concrete, steel, and timber structures.