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Span → Girder depth

Girder depth

Pick a superstructure type and drag the span. The drawing and numbers update live to the AASHTO traditional minimum depth — a first-sizing floor, not a code check.

Section
Typical depth
Span / depth (L/d)
AASHTO minimum
Span 40m
5255075100
Source: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, Table 2.5.2.6.3-1 — traditional minimum depths for constant-depth superstructures, expressed as depth = coefficient × span (L). These are minimum depths for first sizing. The shaded band shows a typical depth range, from the AASHTO minimum (dashed line) up to roughly 1.3× that value — depths often adopted in practice for stiffness and economy. Final sections must satisfy a full strength, service and fatigue check. Each type also has a practical maximum span; beyond it the tool shows Not recommended rather than a depth, since another superstructure type would normally be chosen. Coefficients are dimensionless, so the result follows your span unit (shown here in metres).
Field notes — what to watch for

The AASHTO minimum is a starting floor, not a target — most economical designs sit 10–30% deeper. Going shallower than the minimum is possible but you buy it with deflection checks, camber control and usually more steel. If the tool says “not recommended” for your span, that is the market talking: another system will price better.

Inputs are saved on this device · reset to defaults

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