Memorandum
TO: All Design Section Staff FROM: J. Kapur DATE: May 14, 2001 SUBJECT: Design Policy Memo – C-I-P Load Distribution
Memorandum
TO: All Design Section Staff FROM: J. Kapur DATE: May 14, 2001 SUBJECT: Design Policy Memo – C-I-P Load Distribution
The AASHTO-LRFD live load distribution factor as specified in tables 4.6.2.2.2b-1, 4.6.2.2.2d-1, 4.6.2.2.3a-1, and 4.6.2.2.3b-1 shall not be used when designing cast-in-place multicell box girders. Instead, the load distribution for both moment and shear shall be taken as specified in the WSDOT BDM article 5.3.1D-1 to D-3. The number of design lanes, including fractional lanes, shall be taken as the curb-to-curb roadway width in feet divided by 14, and the multiple presence factor shall not be applied to the live load distribution factor. The correction factor for skewed bridges as specified in AASHTO LRFD table 4.6.2.2.3c-1 shall be applied to the shear distribution factor.
The live load distribution factors as specified in AASHTO LRFD Specifications tables 4.6.2.2.2b-1, 4.6.2.2.2d-1, 4.6.2.2.3a-1, and 4.6.2.2.3b1 are for web as individual girder design. This requirement results in unnecessary reinforcement congestion in the exterior cells. It is both practical and economical to design the cast-in-place multicell box girders as a unit rather than individual girders. The unit design method permits uniform reinforcement distribution throughout the width of superstructure.
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cc: J. A. Weigel, Bridge
and Structures - 47340
E.
H. Henley, Bridge and Structures - 47340
H.
L. Coffman, Bridge Preservation - 47341
F.
Higgins, Brid ge and Structures - 47340
R.
A. Lewis, Construction - 47354
Z.
Y. Fahoum, Bridge and Structures - 47340
