Design - bridges and structures
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Design - bridges and structures

The TxDOT district office project development staff is the primary contact point for bridge projects and structural elements on other projects.

The TxDOT Bridge Project Development Manual provides information pertaining to policies and guidelines for development of bridge projects. State and federal regulations require that TxDOT manuals, procedures, standards and guidelines are followed for bridges designed and subsequently built on the state highway system and National Highway System (NHS). Bridges off the state highway system built with no state or federal funds may be designed in accordance with local government standards.

Preliminary bridge layouts

The local government must develop and submit preliminary bridge layouts for TxDOT approval before detailed design (approximately 30% design completion) for all projects with state or federal funds and all projects on the state system regardless of funding source. Final bridge plans are reviewed along with other elements of plans, specifications and estimates.

Other structures

Common types of other structures include retaining walls, sound walls, culverts, junction boxes, manholes, signs, light and signal poles, etc. State and federal regulations require that TxDOT manuals, procedures, standards and guidelines are followed for all other types of structures designed and subsequently built on the state highway system. Other structures off the state highway system built with no state or federal funds may be designed in accordance with standards adopted by the local government.

Geotechnical studies

Geotechnical studies are performed primarily for pavement design, structures (bridges, retaining walls, etc.) and excavation, and embankment stability evaluation.

The local government must perform geotechnical studies in compliance with TxDOT’s Geotechnical Manual for projects with state or federal funds and all projects on the state highway system regardless of funding source. If the TxDOT Geotechnical Manual does not address all items within the project scope, the local government must propose an alternative standard and seek approval from TxDOT.

Scour analysis

The local government must perform a scour analysis for all new, replacement or widened bridges for projects with state or federal funds and all projects on the state highway system regardless of funding source.

Scour is the erosive result of  flowing water excavating and carrying away material from the bed and banks of streams. Potential scour can be a significant factor in the analysis of a stream crossing system.

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