Continuous Span Standards V1.

1 README
Last Update: 7/27/2015

The Continuous Span Standards were developed by the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) in conjunction
with Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants Inc.

The documents contained herein are the property of the National Steel Bridge Alliance. For questions or
comments please contact the NSBA at the address listed below.

National Steel Bridge Alliance

1 East Wacker Dr. Suite 700
Chicago, IL. 60601
312.670.2400 www.steelbridges.org
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Overview:

The new standards address bridges with five girders in the cross section under balanced geometry
configurations including center spans between 150 ft and 300 ft and end spans at 78% of the center span.
Girder spacings for these geometries range between 7.5 ft and 12 ft. Plate sizes have been optimized for cost
and provide the necessary information to quickly compare alternatives and establish preliminary pricing. All
solutions are based upon the AASHTO LRFD 7th edition and HL 93 live loading. Homogenous and hybrid
plate girder solutions are prepared with the homogenous solutions utilizing ASTM A709 50W steel throughout
the girder, while the hybrid solutions use ASTM A709 50W steel for the web and ASTM A709 HPS70W steel in
selected portions of the flanges.
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The Continuous Standards zip file contains the following contents:

1. The Continuous Span Standards .pdf file. The sheets are organized with the following file structure.
a. 4 pdf sheets for homogeneous steel plate girders.
- Spacings included are 7.5 ft, 9.0 ft, 10.5 ft, and 12.0 ft.
b. 4 pdf sheets for hybrid steel plate girders.
- Spacing included are 7.5 ft, 9.0 ft, 10.5 ft, and 12.0 ft.
c. In each .pdf sheet are girder spans ranging from 150 ft to 300 ft in 15 ft increments.

2. Images
a. The Standard's girder elevation is included as a dwg, pdf, and jpeg object.

3. Simon Input Files

- The Simon input files are included in the zip file. The files are intended for use when the
designer cannot find a geometry that fits within the project parameters. To use, the designer
opens the Simon input file that is most similar to the project parameters, modifies the necessary
information and reruns the trial.

Files are organized with the following file structure.

a. Homogeneous
i. 7.5 ft spacing
ii. 9.0 ft spacing
iii. 10.5 ft spacing
iv. 12.0 ft spacing
b. Hybrid
i. 7.5 ft spacing
ii. 9.0 ft spacing
iii. 10.5 ft spacing
iv. 12.0 ft spacing
- The input file nomenclature indicates if an exterior girder or interior girder is controlling the
overall design.
 - Enclosed in each spacing folder is a folder containing the results of every Simon preliminary
solution. Files are enclosed as xml files.

To run the Simon input files, download the free LRFD Simon software from
www.steelbridges.org/softwareregistration.
For questions or comments please contact the National Steel Bridge Alliance at nsbasimon@steelbridges.org.
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Acknowledgement

The National Steel Bridge Alliance wishes to acknowledge Commonwealth Engineers and Consultants Inc. for
their efforts in drafting, analyzing, and checking each of the 88 individual solutions.
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DISCLAIMER:

The information contained herein the zip file is made available by AISC "As is." AISC disclaims all
warranties, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose regarding these materials.

Copyright © 2015, AISC All rights reserved.