Perspectives on AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design

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 ...