1.0.1 The Specifications is formulated to make the highway bridges and culverts safe, endurable, applicable, environmental-friendly, economical and aesthetic in the design.
1.0.2 The Specifications applies to design of new and renovated highway bridges and culverts of all classes.
1.0.3 Design reference period of highway bridges and culverts structure is 100 years.
1.0.4 Design service life of major structure and replaceable parts shall not be less than the values in Table 1.0.4.
Table 1.0.4 Design Service Life of Bridges and Culverts (year)
Class of highway Major structure Replaceable parts
Extra-large bridge large bridge Medium bridge Small bridge and culverts Stay cable
Sling
Tie bar Handrail expansion device
support
Expressway
Class I highway 100 100 50 20 15
Grade II highway
Class III highway 100 50 30
Class IV highway 100 50 30
1.0.5 See Table 1.0.5 for classification of extra-large, large, medium and small bridges and culverts based on the single-hole span or total length of multi-hole span.
Table 1.0.5 Classification of Bridges and Culverts
Classification of bridges and culverts Total length of multi-hole span L(m) Single-hole span LK (m)
Extra-large bridge L>1 000 LK>150
Large bridge 100≤L≤1 000 40≤LK≤150
Medium bridge 30
Small bridge 8≤L≤30 5≤LK<20
Culverts — LK<5
Notes: 1. Single-hole span refers to the standard one.
2. For beam bridges and slab bridges, arch bridges as well as other bridges, the total length of multi-hole span is the total length of multi-hole standard span, the distance between springing lines of bridge abutments on both banks and the carriageway length on bridge floor respectively.
3. Pipe culvert and box culvert both are called as culverts, regardless of pipe diameter or span and hole number.
4. Standard span: it is the distance between middle lines of two bridge piers or the distance between middle line of bridge pier and front edge of abutment back for beam bridge and slab bridge; it subjects to the clear span for arch bridge and culvert.
1.0.6 Highway bridges and culverts shall be subjected to disaster alleviation and prevention design against wind, earthquake and impact.
1.0.7 Design of highway bridges and culverts shall meet the relevant requirements of environmental protection and resource conservation.
1.0.8 Design of highway bridges and culverts shall not only meet those specified in the Specifications, but the current national and professional standards concerned.
