Does AASHTO apply?

[enginerding]

Another engineer in our firm has been asked to design some bridges for golf carts on a golf course. The golf course wants to be able to drive maintenance vehicles over the bridges as well, so they requested HS20 loading.

How do I find out what code applies? I looked up the town's code of ordinances and they have adopted one of the IBC codes for buildings, but nothing is stated for bridges anywhere in their ordinances.

It is not a road or a highway, so I would imagine that the DOT would not have final jurisdiction.

Any thoughts?

 

[bridgebuster]

I hope they realize HS-20 is a considerable weight - 36 Tons. It's a tractor trailer.

The AASHTO LRFD Guide Specs for Pedestrain Bridges recommend H5 for clear deck width of 7 to 10'; H10 for clear width of over 10'.

If your bridge is over a public road or could be used by the public the DOT might have a say on design criteria. If there is no state or local ordinance on the matter you should still follow AASHTO - CYA. You could disregard portions of the code that seem unnecessary based on engineering judgment.

 

[Qshake]

It's probably a lot easier to and more cost effective to spec out the bridges to CONTECH, whom now owns Continental Bridge and Steadfast bridge. Those two companies design, fabricate and ship steel pedestrian bridges ideally suited for golf courses. They have pre-designed bridges that include small vehicles which comply by IBC and AASHTO.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[enginerding]

Thanks for your help. It sounds like they want to be able to have fully loaded concrete trucks able to pass over one of the bridges. That is the only bridge they are requesting HS20 loading for. They have a look they are going for so they didn't want a stock bridge. I will look into the Contech bridges anyhow.

Thanks again.

 

[Ron]

In the absence of any definitive standard or code, you need to meet the standard of care, which in this case would be AASHTO....protect your liability.

 

[VoyageofDiscovery]

Give them the HS 20, wait till they see the cost for this so called golf cart bridge!

 

[HgTX]

The number of cycles the bridge will see in its lifetime will be miniscule.

AASHTO is meant for high-cycle fatigue loading under trucks. There are plenty of structures out there that support heavy loads, even moving loads, that aren't designed under AASHTO, and my opinion is that this should be one of them.

Hg

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