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Bridge manual (SP/M/022)

This Bridge manual sets out the criteria for the design and evaluation of bridges, culverts, stock underpasses and subways, the design of earthworks and retaining structures.

The manual is a companion document to the overarching Highway structures design guide which provides general and specific design criteria for all highway structures. 

Highway structures design guide

Bridge manual - index - 2nd edition

The 2nd edition of the Bridge manual has been superseded by the 3rd edition.

For existing highway projects, confirmation should be sought from the NZTA, or the relevant road controlling authority for non-state highway schemes, whether this manual shall be used or designs should still be undertaken in accordance with the 2nd edition of the Bridge manual. Generally, the 3rd edition of the Bridge manual should be used for all highway projects commencing detailed design after 1 June 2013.

The 2nd edition of the Bridge manual therefore remains here for reference purposes.

Download manual section

TitleDateDownload
Binder cover and title page Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 423 KB] (3 pages | 410KB)
Foreword, record of amendments and registration form Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 31 KB] (8 pages | 30KB)
Contents, introduction and acknowledgements Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 152 KB] (4 pages | 150KB)
Section 1: Design statement Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 34 KB] (7 pages | 30KB)
Section 2: Design - general requirements Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 3.9 MB] (15 pages | 3.91MB)
Section 3: Design loading Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 289 KB] (20 pages | 280KB)
Section 4: Analysis and design criteria Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 322 KB] (37 pages | 310KB)
Section 5: Earthquake resistant design Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 310 KB] (40 pages | 300KB)
Section 6: Evaluation of bridges and culverts Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 943 KB] (34 pages | 920KB)
Section 7: Structural strengthing Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 89 KB] (15 pages | 90KB)
Appendix A: Bridge widths and clearances Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 258 KB] (10 pages | 250KB)
Appendix B: Bridge side protection Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 1.1 MB] (36 pages | 1.07MB)
Appendix C: Toroidal rubber buffers Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 119 KB] (1 page | 120KB)
Appendix D: Lightly trafficked rural bridges Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 148 KB] (5 pages | 140KB)
Appendix E: Bridge site information summary Jul 2005 PDF [PDF, 94 KB] (20 pages | 90KB)

Download manual amendments

TitleDateDownload
Covering letter and commentary, June 2004 amendment Jun 2004 PDF (5 pages | 980KB)
Covering letter and commentary, September 2004 amendment Sep 2004 PDF (15 pages | 1.14KB)
Covering letter and provisional, December 2004 amendment Dec 2004 PDF (18 pages | 2.35MB)
Covering letter, July 2005 amendment Jul 2005 PDF (2 pages | 70KB)