Design Considerations
Our design process begins with an understanding of the application and objectives of your project. With decades of experience, we can help you envision the possibilities, understand your options, and determine the lowest cost solution. We never design the same
bridge twice.
Although we tailor each of our bridges to fit your needs, we have identified several major product categories to simplify the decision process. These categories are not only defined by their application, but also by the criteria to which they are designed. The baseline loading and geometric design criteria outlined below is a standard starting point. Any design preferences can and will be custom tailored to fit the needs of your project.
Bridge Structure
| | LITE Bridges
| Pedestrian Bridges | Pipe Support Bridges |
Dead Loading
| All of our bridges are modeled in FEA and actual project dead weights are accounted for. | All of our bridges are modeled in FEA and actual project dead weights are accounted for. | All of our bridges are modeled in FEA and actual project dead weights are accounted for. |
Pedestrian Loading | 65 psf - Occasional/Light pedestrian access | 85 psf - AASHTO pedestrian live load criteria, reducible based on exact geometry. | - |
Wind Loading
| 20 psf - substantial wind loading - approximately 100 mph winds | 35 psf - AASHTO wind loading sufficient for hurricane winds. | 35 psf - AASHTO wind loading sufficient for hurricane winds. |
Occasional Vehicle Loading | - | 4,000 lb - standard occasional vehicle loading. H5 (10,000 lb) and Larger vehicles can easily be accommodated upon request. | - |
Stability and Rigidity
| Deflection Limit - L/360
Min. natural frequency - 3Hz
We impose rigorous stability criteria on even our lightest structures to ensure comfort on a budget. | Deflection Limit - L/500
Min. natural frequency - 5Hz
It is important to us that all of our prefabricated pedestrian bridges feel like walking on the ground. Stability is the most tangible design criteria and we do it better than anyone else. | Determined by specifications |
Utility Loading | - | - | Determined by specifications |
Maintenance Loading
| - | - | Determined by specifications |
Custom Loading | All loading criteria above is standard. Alternate and/or custom loading criteria can easily be accommodated upon request.
| All loading criteria above is standard. Alternate and/or custom loading
criteria can easily be accommodated upon request.
| All loading criteria above is standard. Alternate and/or custom loading
criteria can easily be accommodated upon request.
|
Bridge Rail
| | Guard Rail
| Handrail | Toe Rail |
Rail Loading
| -50 plf biaxial uniform load
-200 lb point load
-200 psf infill loading
Gator Bridge guard rails are designed to meet the most stringent AASHTO, IBC, ADA, and FDOT design criteria. | -50 plf linear uniform load
-200 lb point load
Gator Bridge Grab rail is designed to meet IBC and ADA design criteria. | - |
Rail Geometry | -2" Max opening from top of deck
-4" Max opening within guard
Our guard rail geometry meets all AASHTO, IBC, FDOT, and ADA requirements for Guard and Toe Rail. | -1 ¼"-1 ½" OD for graspability
-1 ½" Minimum clearance | 2" Max opening from top of deck |
Rail Heights
| -42" Standard Guard Rail Height for pedestrian use
-54" Standard Top chord Height for bicycle use | 34" Standard Handrail height to meet ADA requirements | - |
Other Bridge Design and Features