Structures Detailing Manual | Jan 2006
Introduction |

# Introduction

## I.1 Purpose

The Structures Detailing Manual (SDM) provides guidance for drafting and detailing criteria and methods used in preparing Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) contract plans for structural elements or systems. These elements or systems include bridges, overhead sign structures, earth retaining structures and miscellaneous highway structures.

## I.2 Authority

Section 334.044(2), Florida Statutes.

## I.3 Scope

Use of this manual is required when performing design, analysis or detailing of structures for FDOT projects.

## I.4 Format

A. The SDM is presented in both 8 1/2-inch x 11-inch and 11-inch x 17-inch formats consisting of text, figures, charts, graphs, tables and Example drawings (SDME Ex-_). This manual provides standard engineering criteria and guidelines to be used in the development of engineering drawings of structures for which the Structures Design Office (SDO) has responsibility.

B. The manual is intended to be used in conjunction with the Structures Design Guidelines (Topic No. 625-020-150), Standard Drawings, Plans Preparation Manual, Volumes I & II (Topic Nos. 625-020-007& 625-000-008), and the CADD Production Criteria Handbook (Topic No. 625-020-300).

C. The SDM is written primarily in the active voice to designers and detailers of bridges and structures for the Florida Department of Transportation.

## I.5 Distribution

The SDM is furnished via the SDO web page at no charge. The user must regularly check for additions, modifications and bulletins.

## I.6 Manual Registration

No registration is required.

## I.7 Administrative Management

Administrative Management of the SDM is a cooperative effort of SDO staff and the nine voting members of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

### I.7.1 The Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

The TAG provides overall guidance and direction for the SDM and has the final word on all proposed modifications. The State Structures Design Engineer (SSDE) and the eight District Structures Design Engineers (DSDE) comprise the TAG. In matters of technical direction or administrative policy, when unanimity cannot be obtained, each DSDE has one vote, the SSDE has two votes, and the majority rules.

### I.7.2 SDO Staff

The SDO staff is comprised of Assistant State Structures Design Engineers and Senior Structures Design Engineers selected by the SSDE.

## I.8 Modifications

A. Modifications may be the result of changes in FDOT specifications, FDOT organization, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations, and AASHTO requirements; or occur from recent experience gained during construction, through maintenance, and as a result of research. Manual users are encouraged to suggest modifications and improvements such as design procedures, text clarity, technical data, or commentary.

B. Address questions regarding this manual and any proposed modifications to:

Structures Design Office

Mail Station 33

605 Suwannee Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450

Tel.: (850) 414-4255

http://www.fdot.gov/structures/

### I.8.1 Adoption of Revisions

SDM revisions are issued by the SDO as Temporary Design Bulletins (TDB's) or Permanent Revisions following a formal adoption process.

### I.8.2 Temporary Design Bulletins (07/05) July 2005 -
Added Paragraphs D through F. per TDB CO5-01.

A. TDB’s supersede the current SDM, are mandatory, and will be issued when the SSDE deems a change essential to production or structural integrity issues and in need of immediate implementation. TDB’s may address issues in plans production, safety, structural design methodology, critical code changes, or new specification requirements.

B. TDB’s indicate their effective date of issuance and are numbered sequentially with reference to both the SDM version number and year of issuance. (i.e., Temporary Design Bulletin No. C03-2 would be the second Bulletin issued in 2003 for SDM.)

C. TDB’s are effective for up to 360 calendar days unless superseded by subsequent TDB’s or Permanent Revisions to the SDM. TDB’s automatically become proposed Permanent Revisions unless withdrawn from consideration by the SSDE.

D. TDBs may be proposed by any DSDE, DSFE or PE in the SDO for consideration by the SSDE. The author must research all affected FDOT policies, criteria and specifications. Proposed TDBs must be submitted to one of the Assistant SSDEs for review, comment and concurrence. If the Assistant SSDE concurs with the proposal, it will be sent to the SSDE for consideration, final approval and publication on the SDO’s website.

E. TDBs that significantly affect other offices must be composed with the assistance of the affected office. TDBs that significantly affect construction will be issued as a Joint Bulletin with the State Construction Office (coordinate with the State Construction Office on the proper Construction Bulletin number).

F. Proposed TDBs must be formatted to include Requirements, Commentary, Background, Implementation and Contact sections.

1.) Requirements: This section codifies exceptions, revisions and/or additions to policies or criteria as specified in current adopted specifications (i.e. Structures Manual, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, etc.). Requirements must reference the specific section(s) in the Structures Manual or other documents where they are to be incorporated. Revisions to the Department’s Standard Specifications will be handled through the Specifications Office.

2.) Commentary: This section provides the essential technical support behind the new Requirement(s). It includes references to the literature, both pro and con, that influenced the decision. This section is intended be brief and will be published along with the Requirements in the identified document(s). If the Requirements are being added to the SDG, the Commentary is added in italics at the end of the amended section.

3.) Background: This section discusses the circumstances that prompted the TDB. It should not duplicate the Commentary but simply facilitate the readers understanding of situations that occurred and the SDO’s response to them. It is also appropriate to make recommendations on policy, criteria and/or specification additions and revisions to other offices in this section.

4.) Implementation: This section specifies the timeline upon which the requirements are to be implemented. Factors to be considered in the implementation plan include funding sources to implement changes to existing design and construction contracts, effect on adopted work program, etc. Implementation plans typically include effective, publishing and letting dates for the Requirements.

5.) Contact: Although the SSDE is the responsible author of all TDBs, this section lists the TDB’s champion. This section lists the bulletin’s key contact name, title, work telephone number and email address.

### I.8.3 Permanent Revisions

A. Permanent Revisions to the SDM are made annually or "as-needed." The following steps are required for adoption of a revision.

1.) SDO Staff will assess proposed revisions and develop the initial draft for the SSDE’s approval.

2.) The SDO Staff will conduct the necessary research, coordinate proposed modifications with all other affected offices and, if proposed modifications are appropriate, prepare complete, written modifications. The SSDE’s approval signifies the SDO’s position on the proposed modifications.

3.) Proposed modifications will be transmitted to TAG members and others allowing for no less than two weeks review time before the next scheduled TAG meeting. Other parties include, but are not limited to: State Construction Office, State Maintenance Office, State Materials Office, State Roadway Design Office, Organization, Forms and Procedures Office, and FHWA.

4.) DSDE members of TAG will coordinate proposed modifications with all other appropriate offices at the district level.

5.) Each TAG member will review proposed modifications prior to the meeting where they will be brought forward for discussion. The SDO will review all modification comments received from other FDOT/FHWA offices in preparation for presentation at the meeting.

6.) Additional review comments received by the SDO and/or DSDO’s during the review process will be presented for discussion and resolution.

7.) Immediately after the TAG meeting, each proposed modification will be returned to the SDO with one of the following recommendations:

a. Recommended for adoption as presented.

b. Recommended for adoption with resolution of specific changes.

c. Not recommended for adoption.

8.) Within two weeks after the TAG meeting, the SDO Staff will resolve each recommended modification and assembled modifications will be provided to the SSDE for final approval.

9.) Once approved by the SSDE, the SDM revision modifications will be assigned to the SDO's Design Technology Group Leader for final editing.

10.) Unless otherwise agreed, the new SDM version modifications will be available from the SDO web site within 4 weeks after receipt of approved modifications from the SSDE.