Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
(OP)
For a project I got a chance to read the bridge design codes, both ASD/LFD (AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges) and LRFD (AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications) codes. While my reading I got some problems as follows,
1. The codes mention the loads and load-combinations but do not mention the exact calculation equations of effects of loads, like internal moments, shears and deflections. Where are the equations for different types of structures? Are these equations showing up in some other codes or handbooks?
The codes also say I should use elastic analysis for effects of the loads. I am really curious where I can find the detail explanation of elastic analysis. Is that from textbooks or some other specifications?
2. Correspondingly, the codes mention the nominal strength of materials but do not give the calculation equations for strength of members, like the flexural strength of the beam. Where can I find these equations?
Thank you, guys. Really hope get some hints or answers.
1. The codes mention the loads and load-combinations but do not mention the exact calculation equations of effects of loads, like internal moments, shears and deflections. Where are the equations for different types of structures? Are these equations showing up in some other codes or handbooks?
The codes also say I should use elastic analysis for effects of the loads. I am really curious where I can find the detail explanation of elastic analysis. Is that from textbooks or some other specifications?
2. Correspondingly, the codes mention the nominal strength of materials but do not give the calculation equations for strength of members, like the flexural strength of the beam. Where can I find these equations?
Thank you, guys. Really hope get some hints or answers.





RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
A code is not a textbook. It prescribes design allowables and acceptable materials, not analysis procedures (usually).
RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
Agree with JC...any of the guys who can and should be mentoring you could answer those questions. Don't hesitate to ask.
RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
It is fundamentals like these that are the reason why we are expected to have a degree.
Sorry to be so blunt but these are really fundamental concepts.
RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
Codes dictate MINIMUM loads - your training should tell you how to handle them.
RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
This is basic Statics
2. Correspondingly, the codes mention the nominal strength of materials but do not give the calculation equations for strength of members, like the flexural strength of the beam. Where can I find these equations?
You have to look in the section of the manual corresponding to the materials. There are equations for flexural strenght of beams (both steel and concrete) in their respective sections.
But as stated by others, you must have an understanding of structrual mechanics to be able to perform this work.
RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy
RE: Questions_from_a_New_Civil_Guy