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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 2. General Design, Drainage, and Hydraulics
 
2.2 Approach Slabs (PDF) September 2025 MTD 5-3
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  
5.22 Prestressing Considerations For Cast-In-Place Prestressed Box Girders (PDF)  August 2025 MTD 11-28
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  
10.7 Piles And Shafts (PDF) June 2025 MTD 3-1
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 BDA 14-2 
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)  August 2025  
 Section 17: Temporary Conditions and Structures    
17.1 Design of Temporary Bridges for Permit Vehicles (PDF)  August 2025 MTD 15-14

Section 20. Seismic Design

    
20.22 Analysis Of New Bridges In Fault Rupture Zones September 2025 MTD 20-8
20.24 Nonlinear Time History Analysis of Bridges September 2025  
20.32 Seismic Design Guidance for Tunnels (PDF) January 2024  
20.33 Seismic Design Of Bridges With Isolation Bearings (PDF) January 2025  MTD 20-22
20.34 Precast Bridge Component Connections (PDF) August 2025