3 Load Criteria
15.3.1 Scope
AASHTO LRFD shall be the minimum design criteria used for all projects. Additional
requirements, exceptions, and deviations from AASHTO LRFD requirements are
contained herein.
15.3.2 Load Factors and Load Combinations
A value of 1.0 shall be used for hi in Equation 3.4.1-1 of AASHTO LRFD Bridge
Design Specifications except for the design of columns when a minimum value of gi is
required by Article 3.4.1 of AASHTO LRFD. In such a case, hi shall be 0.95.
Strength IV load combination shall not be used for foundation design. For foundation
design, loads shall be factored after distribution through structural analysis
or modeling.
The live load factor for Extreme Event-I Limit State shall be 0.5. The base construction
temperature shall be taken as 64° F for the determination of Temperature Load.
The Load Factors for Permanent Loads Due to Superimposed Deformations are
provided in Table 3.53. Table 3.5-3 replaces Table 3.4.1-3 of AASHTO LRFD Bridge
Design Specifications.
Bridge Component PS CR, SH
See gp for DC,
Superstructures – Segmental 1.0 AASHTO LRFD
Table 3.4.1-2
Concrete Superstructure – non-segmental 1.0 1.0
Substructure elements that are essentially fixed
at or below the ground line for deformations 0.5 0.5
computed using gross section properties
All other substructure elements 1.0 1.0