BRIDGES AND OTHER STRUCTURES. SINO-BRITISH HIGHWAYS AND URBAN TRAFFIC CONFERENCE. PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE HELD IN BEIJING 17TH-22ND NOVEMBER 1986

This paper describes the current bridge design and construction practices in the United Kingdom, with special emphasis on aspects related to highways and traffic. For bridges and other structural work in the United Kingdom, the Department of Transport requires that designs conform to various published British standards and codes of practice, together with its own modifications and directives. The main document currently relevant to bridge design is the relatively new British standard BS 5400; (see IRRD 235662, 235664, 235665, 245610, 249424, 263232, 264406, 267691, 268353 282725); in particular, it refers to the most important loading effect from bridges, which is from road vehicles. Some details are given of short span bridges (less than 30 m), medium span bridges (30 m to 100 m), and long span bridges (greater than 100 m). The role of computer programs in bridge design is outlined. Modern materials and construction methods are described for bridge construction, bridge components, foundations, and earthworks; here, the question of durability and maintenance is of increasing importance. The basic principles behind the design of bridges and other structures are universal, although Chinese conditions may favour alternative materials and constriction techniques to those used in the United Kingdom. (TRRL)