Perspectives on AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 16, Issue 6
Abstract
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) first published the Load and Resistance Factor Design Bridge Design Specifications (LRFD Code) in 1994 after several years of development. Each year since its inception, the reliability-based LRFD Code has been refined and improved. At present, the LRFD Code has achieved a level of stability and general acceptance by the bridge engineering community. However, the LRFD Code was initiated with a guiding principle that it could and should continually evolve. Because of this principle, it will always be a work in progress. Provided herein is a brief synopsis of the evolution of the LRFD Code that includes topics and research that are being considered at present and several possible future topics that could or should be addressed. Because the LRFD Code is the centerpiece of AASHTO’s reliability-based specifications, it is the primary focus. However, other reliability-based AASHTO manuals and guide specifications are also discussed along with the processes by which researchers and practitioners can affect future refinements for most structural AASHTO publications. The point of view is primarily that from one AASHTO member state, Illinois, from both a local and national perspective.
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Acknowledgments
The writer acknowledges Mr. Ralph E. Anderson, a recently retired state bridge engineer of Illinois, for his contributions to this paper. A number of members of the bridge engineering community should also be acknowledged, but the list is quite extensive.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 16 • Issue 6 • November 2011
Pages: 684 - 692
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 1, 2011
Accepted: Jul 12, 2011
Published online: Oct 14, 2011
Published in print: Nov 1, 2011
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