Bridge Design Practice
The Bridge Design Practice Manual provides bridge design engineers with basic design concepts, assumptions, and step-by-step design examples. It also introduces innovative design practices of Caltrans.
The Fifth Edition of the BDP conforms to the Eighth Edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications with accompanying California Amendments, Caltrans Seismic Criteria, Version 2.0, Caltrans Seismic Design Specifications for Steel Bridges, Second Edition, Structure Technical Policies, and Bridge Design Memos. The chapters are numbered in alignment with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.
While Caltrans believes the information to be reliable, human error is a possibility. It is the user's responsibility to apply proper design specification requirements and engineering judgment for their projects.
If an error or typo is discovered, we would appreciate being informed by email: Manuals.Products@dot.ca.gov
Cover and Table of Contents (PDF)
Chapter 1 Bridge Design Specifications (PDF)
Chapter 3 Loads and Load Combinations (PDF)
Chapter 4 Structural Modeling and Analysis (PDF)
Chapter 5.1 Concrete Design Theory (PDF)
Chapter 5.2 Post-Tensioned Concrete Girders (PDF)
Chapter 5.3 Precast Pretensioned Concrete I-Girders (PDF)
Chapter 5.4 Precast Pretensioned Concrete Box Girders (PDF)
Chapter 5.5 Precast Pretensioned Concrete Voided Slabs (PDF)
Chapter 5.6 Concrete Bent Caps (PDF)
Chapter 5.7 Concrete Columns (PDF)
Chapter 6.1 Steel Design Theory (PDF)
Chapter 6.2 Steel Plate Girders (PDF)
Chapter 10.1 Shallow Foundations (PDF)
Chapter 11.2 Earth Retaining Systems (PDF)
Chapter 16.1 Strengthening Steel Girders for Live Loads (PDF)