Background to BS5400: Part 5, Composite Bridges

The Bridge Code (BS 5400) is being prepared in ten Parts. Parts 1,2,4,7,and 8, dealing essentially with principles, loading, and concrete bridges, were published in June 1978. They have been followed by Part 5, Composite bridges (May 1979), which is the
subject of this paper; Part 10, Fatigue, which includes fatigue of shear connectors is yet to be published. A brief account is given here of the drafting of Part 5, of the design studies and trial designs that have been done, and of its principal recommendations. Reference is made to its relationship with other Parts of the Code, to a Commentary on Part 5, and to the need to set up a procedure for recording experience of its use.

R.P. Johnson