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 BRITISH STANDARD BS 5400-1:
1988

Steel, concrete and

composite bridges —
Part 1: General statement
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

UDC 624.21.01
BS 5400-1:1988

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Civil

Engineering and Building Structures Standards Committee (CSB/-) to
Technical Committee CSB/59, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

British Cement Association
British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd.

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.
British Railways Board
British Steel Industry
British Waterways Board
Concrete Society
County Surveyors’ Society
Department of Transport (Highways)
Department of Transport (Transport and Road Research Laboratory)
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Scottish Development Department
Steel Construction Institute
Welding Institute

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of Civil Engineering
and Building Structures
Standards Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Board of BSI and comes
into effect on
30 September 1988.

© BSI 12-1998 Amendments issued since publication

First published June 1978 Amd. No. Date Comments
First revision September 1988

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CSB/59
Draft for comment 84/10327 DC

ISBN 0 580 16867 0

 BS 5400-1:1988

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
2.1 Loads 1
2.2 Strength of materials 1
2.3 Design values 1
2.3.1 Design loads 1
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

2.3.2 Design load effects 1

2.3.3 Design resistance 1
3 Limit states 2
3.1 General 2
3.2 Ultimate limit states 2
3.3 Serviceability limit states 2
3.4 Further requirements 2
4 Modifications to design values 2
5 Verification of structural adequacy 3
6 Design life 3
7 Analysis 3
7.1 General 3
7.2 Methods of analysis 3
7.2.1 Linear elastic methods 3
7.2.2 Non-linear methods 3
7.2.3 Plastic methods 4
7.2.4 Conditions for plastic methods or redistribution 4
7.3 Analysis of structure 4
7.3.1 Ultimate limit state 4
7.3.2 Serviceability limit state 4
7.3.3 Fatigue 4
7.3.4 Deflections 4
7.4 Analysis of sections 5
7.4.1 Ultimate limit state 5
7.4.2 Serviceability limit state or fatigue 5
7.5 Effective spans 5
7.6 Model analysis and testing 5
7.6.1 Global analysis 5
7.6.2 Local resistance assessment 6
8 Erection 6
9 Foundations 6
9.1 Verification of the safety of foundations including piles 6
9.2 Design of structural foundations 6
10 Bridges overseas 6
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 12-1998 i
BS 5400-1:1988

Foreword

General
BS 5400 is a document combining codes of practice to cover the design and
construction of steel, concrete and composite bridges and specifications for the
loads1), materials and workmanship. It is based on the principles of limit state
design outlined in ISO 2394 “General principles for the verification of the safety
of structures”. It comprises the following:
— Part 1: General statement;
— Part 2: Specification for loads;
— Part 3: Code of practice for design of steel bridges;

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— Part 4: Code of practice for design of concrete bridges;
— Part 5: Code of practice for design of composite bridges;
— Part 6: Specification for materials and workmanship, steel;
— Part 7: Specification for materials and workmanship, concrete,
reinforcement and prestressing tendons;
— Part 8: Recommendations for materials and workmanship, concrete,
reinforcement and prestressing tendons;
— Part 9: Bridge bearings;
Section 9.1: Code of practice for design of bridge bearings;
Section 9.2: Specification for materials, manufacture and installation of
bridge bearings.
— Part 10: Code of practice for fatigue.
Some of the above Parts are manuals of good practice, whilst others express
requirements in specific terms, For this reason BS 5400 should not by reference
be incorporated as a whole into construction contracts. Certain Parts, i.e. Part 2,
Part 6 and Part 7, may be suitable for individual incorporation by reference,
provided that care is taken to ascertain that no provisions in such Parts conflict
with other provisions in the text of the contract.
As stated above, the basis of BS 5400 is limit state design. Accordingly, it differs
in principle from its predecessor, BS 153 “Steel girder bridges”2). Although the
load factors adopted are judged appropriate in the light of current knowledge,
detailed comparisons between the designs resulting from BS 5400 and those from
its predecessor will be possible only from the results of the use of this standard in
practice and from empirical calibration studies. The results from these studies
will enable possible adjustments to be made at periodic intervals. Users of
BS 5400 should recognize the need for engineering judgement arising especially
from the difference in principle mentioned above.
The changes from the 1978 edition of this Part of 5400 were originally intended
to be implemented by the issue of an amendment. However for ease of use it was
decided to incorporate the changes into a new edition. BS 5400-1:1978 is
consequently withdrawn.

1) Throughout BS 5400 external forces applied to the structure and imposed deformations such as
those due to changes in temperature will be referred to as “loads” or “loading”; the stress
resultants in the structure arising from its response will be referred to as “load effects”.
2) Withdrawn.

ii © BSI 12-1998
 BS 5400-1:1988

Objective of BS 5400
The aim of BS 5400 is the achievement of acceptable levels of probability in order
that the structure being designed will not become unfit for the use for which it is
required, i.e. that it will not reach limit state during its design life. It specifies
certain design requirements and a coherent set of partial safety factors for
bridges in the UK3), which combine to provide what is considered to be an
acceptably low probability of attaining the limit states given in clause 3.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this British Standard that the executions
of its provisions will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

people.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 6, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

3)
For bridges to be designed to other load specifications, see clause 10.

© BSI 12-1998 iii

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

blank
iv
 BS 5400-1:1988

1 Scope 2.3.2
design load effects
This Part of BS 5400 is a statement of the general
concepts embodied in other Parts of the standard. It the design effects, S*, are obtained from the design
describes the application of the limit state principles loads by the relation
adopted and includes sections on analysis and
foundation design, both of which are common to all S* = gf3 (effects of Q*)
forms of bridge construction.
= gf3 (effects of gfL Qk)
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this Part of
BS 5400 are listed on the inside back cover. where
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2 Definitions
gf3 is a factor that takes account of inaccurate
For the purposes of this British Standard the assessment of the effects of loading,
following definitions and explanations of terms unforeseen stress distribution in the
apply. structure, and variations in dimensional
2.1 accuracy achieved in construction
loads
Values of gf3 are given in Parts 3, 4, 5 and 9
the loads to be considered in determining the load
Where linear relationships can be assumed between
effects, S, on the structure are specified in Part 2
loading and load effects, S* can be determined from
and are described throughout as nominal loads. For
certain loads statistical distributions are available S* = (effects of gf3 gfL Qk)
and for these a return period of 120 years has been 2.3.3
adopted. Where such distributions are not available design resistance
nominal values, based on judgement and the design resistance, R*, may be defined as
experience, are given, and these are considered to
approximate to a 120-year return period 1 fk 
R* = ---------- function  ---------
-
2.2 g m2  g m1
strength of materials if the function is linear and involves a single value
where statistical data are available on the strength of gm2, this may be expressed as
of materials, characteristic values are given in the
1 - ---------
R * = --------- 1 - function ( f ) = -------
1 function ( f )
appropriate Parts of this standard. Where such data k k
g m2 g m1 gm
are not available, nominal values are given to be
used as characteristic values in all the computations where
2.3 Design values
2.3.1 fk is the characteristic (or nominal) strength of
design loads the material;
the design loads, Q*, are determined from the gm is a reduction factor specified in the
nominal loads, Qk, according to the relation relevant parts of this standard
Q* = gfL Qk gm = function (gm1 gm2)
where gfL is a factor given in Part 2 for each load where
gfL = function (gf1 gf2)
where gm1 is intended to cover the possible reductions
in the strength of the materials in the
gf1 takes account of the possibility of structure as a whole as compared with the
unfavourable deviation of the loads from characteristic value deduced from the
their nominal values; control test specimen;

gf2 takes account of the reduced probability gm2 is intended to cover possible weaknesses of
that various loadings acting together will all the structure arising from any cause other
attain their nominal values simultaneously than the reduction in the strength of the
materials allowed for in gm1, including
manufacturing tolerances.

© BSI 12-1998 1
BS 5400-1:1988

For simplicity, instead of two gm factors, a single 3.4 Further requirements

factor has been adopted for this British Standard. The deflection of the structure or any part of it
For concrete construction gm 1 has different values should not be such as to affect its appearance
for concrete and reinforcement; hence the following adversely, violate minimum specified clearances, or
format has been used in Part 4 cause drainage difficulties. The structure may need
fk  to be cambered to counter these effects. Minimum
R* = function  −−−
− specified clearances should be maintained under the
g 
m action of load combination 1 for the serviceability
For steel construction normally only one value of limit state. The appearance and drainage

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gm 1 is involved; hence the format used in Part 3 is characteristics of the structure should be considered
1 under the action of permanent loads only.
R * = ------- function ( fk ) Compliance with the relevant clauses of this
gm
standard should ensure adequate durability during
the design life of the structure.
3 Limit states The configuration of the structure and the
3.1 General interaction between the structural members should
The two limit states adopted in BS 5400 are: be such as to ensure a robust and stable design. The
structure should be designed to support loads
a) the ultimate limit state; and caused by normal function, but there should be a
b) the serviceability limit state. reasonable probability that it will not collapse or
3.2 Ultimate limit states suffer disproportionate damage under the effects of
misuse or accident.
The ultimate limit states applicable to this standard
are: 4 Modifications to design values
a) loss of equilibrium of a part or the whole of the
structure when considered as a rigid body; For bridges in the U K, no further modifications
need be made to the design values to take account of
b) deterioration, due to fatigue, to a stage where the seriousness of attaining a limit state. For the
failure occurs; present it is considered that the total consequences
c) a post elastic or post buckling state determined of failure of bridges of different types are the same4)
by the current extent of knowledge of the and the factor gn2, which is intended to take account
ultimate behaviour of bridge structures and of economic consequences, danger to communities,
which, in certain cases, relates only to the etc., is not explicitly stated but is allowed for in the
collapse strength of the section considered and values of gfL and gm. Similarly gn1, which is
not to the collapse strength of the whole intended to take account of the nature of the
structure. structure and its behaviour, whilst allowing for
3.3 Serviceability limit states those structures or parts of structures in which
partial or complete collapse may occur without
The serviceability limit states applicable to this warning, is not explicitly stated.
standard are:
Designs carried out in accordance with the provision
a) that condition beyond which a loss of utility or of BS 5400 should not require the factor gn1.
cause for public concern may be expected and
remedial action required; In special cases where elements can fail without due
warning, e.g. buckling, the design equations, i.e. the
b) the vibration limits stated in Part 2 as applied values of R*, have appropriate safety values built
to footbridges. into them.

4) Clearly the consequences of failure of one large bridge such as a suspension bridge will be greater than that of one small
bridge. A greater number of smaller bridges are constructed, however, and in the absence of empirical data it is assumed that for
the sum of the consequences the risks are broadly the same.

2 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 5400-1:1988

5 Verification of structural adequacy 7 Analysis

For a satisfactory design the following relation 7.1 General
should be satisfied The following general principles should be adopted
in the calculation of the load effects arising under
R* > S* (1) any assumed pattern of applied loading and in the
verification of safety of the structure. Global
 fk  analysis of actions should be undertaken for each of
i.e. function  -------  > g f3 (effects of gfL Qk) (2a)
 g m the most severe conditions appropriate to the part
under consideration for all of the loading
When the resistance function is linear and a single
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combinations prescribed in Part 2. The methods of

value of gm is involved, this relation may be analysis should be capable of predicting all loading
rearranged as effects including, where appropriate, those that
cannot be predicted by simple bending theory.
1 1 7.2 Methods of analysis
------- ⋅ ------- function (fk) > (effects of gfL Qk) (2b)
g f3 g m
7.2.1 Linear elastic methods. These methods take
It should be noted that the form of expression (2a) is account of all elastic phenomena such as shear lag,
used in Part 4, whereas the form of expression (2b) warping, etc. but some of these effects may be
is used in Part 3. Therefore when using Part 5 in neglected where stipulated in Parts 3, 4 and 5. In
conjunction with either Part 3 or Part 4 care should these methods the stiffness of the structural
be taken to ensure that gf3 is applied correctly. members are assumed to remain constant
The bridge and its components should be checked throughout the full range of applied loading and the
for overall stability under the appropriate factored second-order effects of deformation are ignored.
loads and the design should also comply with the 7.2.2 Non-linear methods. Non-linear methods of
provisions of Part 10 with regard to fatigue life. analysis are concerned with either one or both of two
Consideration should be given to the aerodynamic distinct aspects of non-linear structural behaviour:
stability of bridges susceptible to such effects. a) the non-linearity arising from significant
Vehicle induced vibration need not be considered. geometric changes taking place in the structure
under load;
6 Design life b) the non-linearity in the stress-strain behaviour
A design life of 120 years has been assumed of the materials themselves.
throughout BS 5400 (unless otherwise stated). The behaviour in a) occurs in systems such as
The assumption of a design life does not necessarily suspension bridges and is also associated with the
mean that the structure will no longer be fit for its loss of stiffness due to buckling of slender
purpose at the end of that period, or that it will components. The behaviour in b) is associated with
continue to be serviceable for that length of time such phenomena as progressive tensile cracking in
without adequate and regular inspection and concrete, creep of materials under sustained
maintenance. loading, localized yielding etc. Non-linear methods
It is to be emphasized that bridges, like most of analysis may be based on the incremental
modern structures, require regular inspection and, application of linear elastic methods using modified
when necessary, repair under competent direction. member stiffness or elastic moduli. Non-linear
Means of access and other measures required to analysis is not normally required for structures
facilitate inspection and maintenance should be designed in accordance with the various Parts of
considered with adequate working space being BS 5400. However, to allow for some non-linear
provided around parts such as bearings, expansion behaviour, redistribution of the load effects,
joints and, where relevant, prestressing anchorages. obtained by a linear elastic method, may be
assumed to occur.

© BSI 12-1998 3
BS 5400-1:1988

7.2.3 Plastic methods. The term “plastic method” 7.3.2 Serviceability limit state. Load effects under
denotes a method of analysis in which part or all of each of the prescribed design loadings appropriate
a material in the section or sections of a structural to the serviceability limit state should, where
member is assumed to have reached yield point relevant, be calculated by elastic methods. Linear
under the applied loading. This results in the methods may be used when these are based on the
possibility of “plastic hinges” or “yield lines” being section properties assumed in 7.3.1, provided that
formed in the structure where yielding has taken changes in geometry do not significantly influence
place. the load effects. Non-linear methods may be adopted
7.2.4 Conditions for plastic methods or with appropriate allowances for loss of stiffness due
to cracking, creep or other predictable deformation

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redistribution. Plastic methods or other procedures
for permitting redistribution of moments and shears of the structure as directed in Parts 3, 4 and 5 and
may be used only when: should be used where geometric changes
significantly modify the load effects. Usually, these
a) the form of construction and the materials phenomena are taken into account either by
have an adequate plateau of resistance under the assuming a modified stiffness in a linear elastic
appropriate ultimate conditions and are not analysis or by adjustments to the results of such an
prone to deterioration of strength due to analysis, as stated in Parts 3, 4 and 5. The method
shakedown under repeated loading; used should satisfy equilibrium requirements
b) the development of bending plasticity does not (see 7.3.1) and compatibility of deformations.
cause an indeterminate deterioration in shear or Due allowance should be made in both determinate
torsional resistance, or, when relevant, in axial and indeterminate forms of construction for any
strength; erection procedures which affect the distribution of
c) the supports or supporting structures are reactions and stresses.
capable of withstanding reactions calculated by Effective spans should be in accordance with the
elastic methods; assumptions given in 7.5.
d) changes in geometry due to deflections will not Where a part only of a bridge is to be analysed, the
significantly influence the load effects or are fully boundaries to that part should either be so idealized
taken into account. as to represent accurately the stiffness of the
It may be assumed that conditions a) and b) are met bounding parts of supports, or they should be
by each of the appropriate methods presented in the sufficiently remote from the region under
design sections of BS 5400. consideration that errors in simulation have no
7.3 Analysis of structure significant influence on the solution. The bounding
parts should be designed to carry the boundary
7.3.1 Ultimate limit state. The load effects under the
reactions calculated from the analysis.
most adverse of the prescribed design loading
conditions appropriate to the ultimate limit state 7.3.3 Fatigue. Global analysis of the structure for
should be calculated by a method satisfying the assessment of fatigue life should, where
equilibrium requirements, all load effects being relevant, employ linear elastic methods based on
shown to be in equilibrium with the applied loads. section properties without reduction of stiffness
Elastic methods are acceptable as lower bound and, for concrete, the short term moduli.
collapse solutions; they will also lead to solutions 7.3.4 Deflections. Analysis of the structure for
less likely to violate serviceability criteria. Plastic or deflection should employ linear elastic methods.
yield line methods may be adopted when Deflections due to structural self-weight should
appropriate to the form of construction. allow for the method and sequence of construction.
Unless otherwise stated in Parts 3, 4 and 5 the Account should be taken of changes in stiffness
stiffness of the structural components should be during construction, and in creep and shrinkage
based on the nominal dimensions of the member effects in concrete after completion.
cross sections and on the elastic moduli. Shear lag Deflections due to finishes should be calculated
may be ignored for the main analysis. The effects of using the long-term characteristics of concrete.
cracking in composite structures may be allowed for Deflections due to live load should be based on
either by assuming a modified stiffness in a linear short-term characteristics of concrete and on the
elastic analysis or by adjustments to the results of most unfavourable distribution of loads using an
such an analysis as stated in Part 5. The effective elastic analysis appropriate to the serviceability
spans should be assumed to be as defined in 7.5. limit state (see 7.3.2). Where appropriate,
allowance should be made for shear flexibility
and/or for axial deformation.

4 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 5400-1:1988

In estimating deflections during erection and on The mathematical idealization of the structure
first loading of a welded steel structure, the should reflect the nature of its judged response. The
relaxation of welding residual stress in regions of boundaries assumed in such idealization should
applied tensile stress, as defined in Part 3, should be either simulate accurately the stiffness of adjacent
taken into account. parts or be sufficiently remote from the part under
7.4 Analysis of sections consideration for the stresses in it to be insensitive
to the boundary assumptions.
7.4.1 Ultimate limit state. Methods used to calculate
If, for the sake of convenience, any part of the
the ultimate resistance in bending, axial force,
structure is ignored in the analysis, it should be
shear or torsion should provide estimates of
examined to determine whether the behaviour of
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strength having a probability of at least 95 % of

being achieved when the material characteristics the structure under load can lead to detrimental
effects on such a part.
are accurately known. “Lower-bound” methods are
therefore essential to ensure that the required 7.5 Effective spans
reliability is obtained. The methods given in this In the determination of loads and load effects, the
standard may be deemed to satisfy this effective spans of beams and slabs should be
requirement. Other methods should be verified, assumed to be as follows.
either by calibration against methods in this
a) Simply supported members. The smaller of
standard or by testing in accordance with 7.6.
either:
The effects of shear lag will normally be neglected,
1) the distance between the centres of bearings
but should in certain cases be considered for
or other supports, or
transverse members as indicated in Parts 3, 4
and 5. 2) the clear distance between supports plus the
effective depth.
7.4.2 Serviceability limit state or fatigue. In the
calculation of stresses for serviceability or fatigue b) Members framing into supporting members.
assessment from the actions analysed in accordance The distance between the shear centres of the
with 7.3.2, the following should be included unless supporting members.
otherwise stated in the design sections of this c) Continuous members. The distance between
standard: centres of supports, except where, in the case of
a) stresses due to axial forces and global bending beams on wide supports, the effect of the support
moments, both longitudinal and transverse, width is included in the analysis.
including the influence of shear lag5); d) Cantilevers. The distance from the face of the
b) shear stresses, including those due to torsion; support plus half its effective depth, except
where:
c) warping stresses due to torsion and distortion
of box members; 1) it is an extension of a continuous beam when
the length to the centre of the support should
d) transverse stresses due to distortion of box
be used, or
members;
2) in the case of members on wide supports, the
e) stresses due to creep, relaxation and
effect of the support width is included in the
shrinkage;
analysis.
f) stresses due to membrane forces;
7.6 Model analysis and testing
g) stresses occurring in the vicinity of major
stress concentrations which are due to the local 7.6.1 Global analysis. Model analysis and testing
nature of any appropriate pattern of loading or may be used either to define the load effects in a
due to structural discontinuities, particularly structure or to verify a proposed theoretical analysis
near supports; for a structure. The models used should be capable
of simulating the response of the structure
h) stresses due to bending moments in members appropriately and the interpretation of the results
caused by deflections and changes in geometry, should be carried out by engineers having the
e.g. secondary stresses in trusses due to
relevant experience.
deformation.

5) Theinfluence of shear lag may be deemed to be allowed for in the calculation of the properties of the cross sections for stress
analysis when using the appropriate effective widths prescribed in Parts 3, 4 and 5.

© BSI 12-1998 5
BS 5400-1:1988

The reliability of the test results depends inter alia 8 Erection

upon the accuracy, or knowledge of:
The adoption of limit state methods with partial
a) material properties (model and prototype); safety factors emphasizes the necessity to assess the
b) methods of measurements; loads and location of erection plant accurately. The
c) methods used to derive load effects from amount of the partial factor applied to these loads
measurements; should be appraised for each case on its merits,
making due allowance for the accuracy or otherwise
d) loading and reactions.
of the evaluation of temporary loads. Additional
In interpreting results, the assessed load effects to material incorporated for erection purposes should

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be used in design should exceed those derived from also be accurately assessed and if it is to be retained
the test data by a margin dependent upon: in the completed structure, its effect on this should
e) number of tests; be taken into account.
f) method of testing;
9 Foundations
g) an assessment of a), b) and c) above.
In all cases the interpreted results should provide 9.1 Verification of the safety of foundations
equilibrium. including piles
7.6.2 Local resistance assessment. Methods for Foundations should be assessed in accordance with
calculating the ultimate resistance of cross sections the principles set out in BS 8004.
other than those specified in this standard should be BS 8004 has not been drafted on the basis of limit
verified by tests on a range of representative state design, but it will be appropriate to adopt the
components, or models thereof, sufficient to ensure nominal loads specified in Part 2 with gfL and gf3 = 1
that the influence on each parameter of the physical as design loads for the purpose of verifying
behaviour up to collapse is demonstrated. The foundations in accordance with BS 8004. The loads
reliability of such verification will depend upon a), on foundations should be derived from the methods
d), e) and f) of 7.6.1. In such tests the ratio between of analysis appropriate to the serviceability limit
the strength predicted by the chosen method (using state.
measured properties and dimensions) and the 9.2 Design of structural foundations
measured value should be obtained for a number of
samples and the mean and standard deviation of Structural foundations are designed to transmit the
such ratios determined. applied loading on the structure to the ground or
piles depending upon the method of transfer, in each
The partial factors for strength prescribed in this case it is necessary to know the reaction to the
standard should then be adjusted for application applied loading. These reactions, which will be
with the verified method to take into account its bearing pressures or pile loads, should be calculated
mean accuracy and variability. for the design loading relevant to the limit state
Where prototype testing is adopted as a basis of under consideration and the foundations assessed
proving the resistance of a component, the test for these design reactions.
loading should adequately reproduce the range of
stress combinations to be sustained in service. A 10 Bridges overseas
sufficient number of prototypes should be tested to
The design requirements given in Parts 1, 3, 4, 5, 9
enable a mean value and standard deviation of and 10 may be used for the design of bridges to other
resistance to be calculated for each critical stress loading specifications, provided that the factors gfL
condition, the design values then being taken at 1.5
are modified as necessary to achieve design loads
standard deviations below the mean.
consistent with those specified in Part 2. This
The material strengths to be specified for means, for example, that for the ultimate limit state
construction should have mean values and calculations the probability of design loads being
coefficients of variation compatible with those in the exceeded during the design life of the bridge should
prototypes. Tolerances and dimensions should be not exceed 5 % and provided also that materials and
similarly prescribed so that constructions are workmanship comply with Parts 6 and 7.
compatible with the prototypes.
No results of prototype testing may be used to
justify any reduction in partial safety factors.
Similar tests on components may be used to verify or
determine serviceability limit loading capacity.

6 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 5400-1:1988

Publications referred to

BS 153, Specification for steel girder bridges6)7).

BS 5400, Steel, concrete and composite bridges.
BS 5400-2, Specification for loads.
BS 5400-3, Code of practice for design of steel bridges.
BS 5400-4, Code of practice for design of concrete bridges.
BS 5400-5, Code of practice for design of composite bridges.
BS 5400-6, Specification for materials and workmanship, steel.
BS 5400-7, Specification for materials and workmanship, concrete, reinforcement and prestressing tendons.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

BS 5400-8, Recommendations for materials and workmanship, concrete, reinforcement and prestressing
tendons7).
BS 5400-9, Bridge bearings.
BS 5400-9.1, Code of practice for design of bridge bearings.
BS 5400-9.2, Specification for materials, manufacture and installation of bridge bearings.
BS 5400-10, Code of practice for fatigue.
BS 8004, Code of practice for foundations.

6) Withdrawn.
7) Referred to in the foreword only.

© BSI 12-1998
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Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 2-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

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