Structures Design Guidelines | July 2006
5 - Superstructure - Steel |

## 5.2 Dead Load Camber [6.7.2]

A. Design the structure, including the slab, with a sequence for placing the concrete deck. Show the placement sequence on the plans.

B. Develop camber diagrams to account for the deck placing sequence. Analyze the superstructure geometry and properties and use the appropriate level of analysis to determine deflections and camber.

Commentary: Steel girders are to be fabricated to match the profile grade with an allowance for dead load deflection such that when the deck is placed, the amount of build-up is minimized. For skewed or curved bridges, or for bridges with large overhangs on the exterior girder, a grid, 3-D or finite element analysis may be necessary to determine accurately the girder deflections and required camber.