"AASHTO Standard Specifictions for Highway Bridges" clarification

[CWEngineer]

Is AASHTO Standard Specifications For Highway Bridges a Federal or State Agency, or neither?

Typically, for what situations would this Standard be used? Also, is there situations where this Standard should not be used?

Thanks

 

[BigH]

AASHTO is "American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials" and the various DOTs and Canadian provincial transportation ministries make up the Association. FHWA is also involved as well as a few others. I'll let others more knowledgable in practice in the USA answer but basically it governs the design of bridges for the states and provinces although each has their own modifications/take on it such as the Ontario Highway Bridge Code.

 

[Castigliano]

In my experience, AASHTO is strictly a US code, the Canadians have their own specification, and it is a very good one! Each state is master of it's own domain, so they typically will alter the AASTHO spec to suit their needs, but generally follow its guidance. You should be aware that the "Standard Spec" is no longer used for new bridge design projects; FHWA will only approve federal funding if the more recent, LRFD specification is used. It is probably accurate to say all publically owned bridges follow AASHTO, but to varying degrees.

Castigliano

 

[BigH]

While Canadian provinces each have their own codes/specs, etc., they are still members of AASHTO - if you look at the listing of members. The "Standard Spec" is now in LRFD format I understand (sadly for us geotechs).

 

[Dinosaur]

In the US, if you don't design a bridge in accordance with AASHTO specs and there is a failure that includes an injury, you probably will be in difficult circumstances. Also, many insurance companies will expect bridges designed for private property to carry a concrete truck or pumper truck loading in case of a fire. You may also consult your E&O insurance provider.