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Bridge Design Memos (BDMs)

Bridge Design Memos (BDMs) provide guidance and best practices to designers, enabling them to efficiently and consistently implement Caltrans' Structure Technical Policies (STPs) and design specifications.  BDMs include guidance and best practices from previous Memos to Designers (MTDs) and Bridge Design Aids (BDAs), superseding any similar content in the MTDs or BDAs.  The BDMs have been organized to closely align with the organization of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.

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Bridge Design Memo(BDM) Numbers and Titles Approval Date  Supersedes 
Section 1. Introduction    
 1.1 Scope, Approval, and Implementation (PDF)  August 2021  MTD 1-0
 1.2 Terms and Abbreviations (PDF) September 2024  
 1.5 Project-Specific Design Criteria (PDF) February 2023  
Section 4. Structural Analysis and Evaluation    
4.7 Maximum Moments and Shears for HL-93 and P15 Loads (PDF) September 2024 BDA 9-1 and 9-81 
Section 5. Concrete Structures    
5.3 Precast Prestressed Girders (PDF) September 2023 MTD 11-8
5.4 Deck Closure Pour Waiting Period (PDF)
 December 2023 MTD 9-3
5.12 Rapid Strength Concrete (PDF) August 2021 BDA 5-10
5.13 Mass Concrete Prediction Nomograph (PDF)  August 2021  
5.23 Hinge Curl (PDF)  August 2021  MTD 11-34
5.26 Anchorage Zone Design CIP/PS Box Girders (PDF)  August 2021  MTD 11-25
5.27 Curved CIP/PS Box Girders (PDF)  August 2021  MTD 11-31
5.51 Anchorage to Concrete: Cast-In Anchors (PDF)  August 2021  BDA 5-81
Section 6. Steel Structures    
6.1 Designation of Steel Bridge Members (PDF)  August 2021  MTD 12-2
6.11 Camber of Steel-Concrete Composite Girders (PDF) August 2021  MTD 12-3
6.12 Review of Shop Drawings - Steel Structures (PDF) August 2021  MTD 12-1
6.13 Section Properties for Composite Sections (PDF)  October 2022   
Section 9. Decks and Deck Systems    
9.4 Typical Deck, Overhang, and Soffit Design (PDF) November 2024  MTD 10-20
Section 10. Foundations      
10.3 Foundation with Seal Course (PDF) February 2024  BDA 2-6 to 2-7
10.5 Composite Cased Piles (PDF) July 2022  
10.10 Vertical Ground Anchors (PDF)  June 2025  
10.15 Foundation Modeling for Superstructure Analysis (Non-Seismic) (PDF)  April 2023 BDA 12-0
Section 11. Walls, Abutments, and Piers    
11.5 Live Load Distribution for Abutment Design (PDF) April 2024  
Section 16. Existing Structures (Including of Rating, Strengthening)     
16.4 Material Properties for Existing Structures (PDF) June 2025  
16.6 Stresses in Post-tensioned Existing Steel Girders – Stress Calculations (PDF) October 2022  
16.8 Analysis Of Deck Overhangs On Existing Bridge (PDF)  March 2025  
16.11 Seismic Retrofit Using Steel Column Casing (PDF)  May 2025  

Section 20. Seismic Design

    
 20.32 Seismic Design Guidance for Tunnels (PDF) January 2024  
20.33 Seismic Design Of Bridges With Isolation Bearings  January 2025  MTD 20-22