ISO 28842:2013

Overview

ISO 28842:2013 - "Guidelines for the simplified design of reinforced concrete bridges" - is a self-contained international standard that provides prescriptive, simplified design rules for the planning, design and construction of relatively short-span reinforced concrete bridges. The standard is intended as an alternative for countries or authorities that do not have a national concrete bridge code or where a simplified national application is expressly adopted. ISO 28842:2013 covers loads, simplified analysis procedures, material and construction guidance, and minimum detailing to achieve adequate safety and serviceability.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & applicability: Applies to new structural reinforced concrete bridges of restricted span length, pier height and type (see 6.1 for limitations). Intended for simplified, conservative design methods rather than full national codes.
• Design framework: Uses limit state design principles - ultimate and serviceability limit states - with prescribed load combinations and simplified analysis formats.
• Actions (loads): Prescriptive guidance for dead loads, live loads, longitudinal forces, earth pressure, wind, earthquake inertia, thermal forces, and load combinations (Clause 8).
• Seismic provisions: Includes earthquake-resistance guidance with options (e.g., use of shear walls) appropriate for different seismic hazard levels.
• Materials and construction: Guidance for concrete mixture proportioning, acceptance of site‑mixed or ready‑mixed concrete, and minimum recommended steel grades (Clause 9).
• Reinforcement detailing: Rules for development length, lap splicing, anchorage, limits on longitudinal reinforcement and minimum transverse reinforcement.
• Member design: Simplified strength rules for flexure, shear, torsion; prescriptive approaches for decks, slabs, girders, piers, walls, bearings, foundations and retaining structures (Clauses 10–14).
• Design aids: Includes tables, graphics, Annexes (e.g., material factor equations, beam deflection) and boxed values that national bodies may adapt.

Practical applications

• Design and construction of small-to-medium urban overpasses, creek crossings, low-height highway bridges and similar short-span structures.
• Rapid development of safe, conservative bridge designs where local codes are absent or where a simplified national adaptation is adopted.
• Use during preliminary design, tender documents, or as a fallback design route for routine bridge types.

Who should use this standard

• Structural and bridge engineers, design consultants and contractors working on reinforced concrete bridge projects.
• National standards bodies and regulatory authorities seeking a template for a simplified bridge design code.
• Public agencies and municipalities responsible for routine short-span bridge inventory and upgrades.

Related standards and notes

• ISO 28842:2013 was prepared by ISO/TC 71 and is intended to be an alternative or complement to national concrete bridge design codes. Authorities typically review and adapt the boxed values and local requirements before adoption.