steel bridge bearing design and detailing guidelines
This document is a standard developed by the AASHTO/ NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration.
The primary goal of the Collaboration is to achieve steel bridges of the highest quality and value
through standardization of the design, fabrication, and erection processes. Each standard
represents the consensus of a diverse group of professionals.
As consensus documents, the Collaboration standards represent the best available current
approach to the processes they cover. It is intended that Owners adopt and implement
Collaboration standards in their entirety to facilitate the achievement of standardization, but it is
understood that local statutes or preferences may prevent full adoption of the document. In such
cases, Owners should adopt these documents with the exceptions they feel are necessary.
The following guidelines and details are for typical steel bridges. The Collaboration recognizes
that most states currently have standards for bearings, however it is the intent that states will
adopt or modify their standards for steel bridge bearings to conform to this guideline. In many
cases, options for economical bearings are offered to facilitate the acceptance and use of this
document.
