Bridge Design: DGCS Volume 5 Overview

Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards (DGCS)

• The DGCS is the official guide for designs carried out within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or for DPWH.
• The DGCS was published in 2015 to replace the two Volumes of the DGCS published in 1984.
• The DPWH functions as the engineering arm of the Government of the Republic of Philippines and is responsible for establishing appropriate design standards.

Scope of DGCS

• The DGCS applies to the preparation of concept, preliminary and detailed engineering for categories of infrastructure projects undertaken by DPWH.
• The scope includes stream and flood control, roads and bridges, and buildings.
• The DGCS aims to provide design structures for appropriate loads and load combinations, functional and aesthetic infrastructure, and optimal use of indigenous materials, labor, and other resources.

Overview of DGCS

• The DGCS consists of six volumes: Volume 1 – Introduction and Overview, Volume 2 – Surveys and Site Investigation, Volume 3 – Water Projects Design, Volume 4 – Highway Design, Volume 5 – Bridge Design, and Volume 6 – Public Buildings and Other Related Structures Design.

Volume 5 – Bridge Design

• Volume 5 covers bridge aesthetics, and the design of all types of bridges under Philippine conditions based on the AASHTO LRFD bridge design specification.
• The volume covers all types of structures required for highways and bridges, including long-span structures, tunnels, cut-and-cover structures, and retaining walls.
• Retrofitting of existing bridges is also included.

Design Provisions for Bridge Structures

• The rise-to-span ratio of structural plate arches shall not be less than 0.3.
• The provisions of DGCS Volume 5 Article 17.5 shall apply to structures with a radius exceeding 4000 mm.
• Long-Span Structural Plate Structures are covered in DGCS Volume 5 Article 17.4.
• Metal box culverts are not considered long-span structures and are covered in DGCS Volume 5 Article 17.6.

Bearing Design Provisions

• Combinations of different types of fixed or movable bearings should not be used at the same expansion joint, bent, or pier, unless the effects of differing deflection and rotation characteristics on the bearings and the structure are accounted for in the design.
• Multi-rotational bearings conforming to the provisions of this section should not be used where vertical loads are less than 20% of the vertical bearing capacity.
• All bearings shall be evaluated for component and connection strength and bearing stability.
• Special Design Provisions for Bearings include Steel-Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings, Elastomeric Pads and Steel Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings, and Bronze or Copper Alloy Sliding Surfaces.

Test your understanding of the Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards (DGCS) Volume 5, specifically on bridge design, and its differences with AASHTO Bridge Specifications. This quiz covers the essential concepts and articles in the DGCS Volume 5, as well as the background and criteria set by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Get ready to demonstrate your knowledge of bridge design standards and guidelines!