When individual bridge components such as bridge bearings, deck joints, and columns and piles deteriorate at different rates, bridges can be closed for repair far too often. Designing bridge components and systems to service limit states extends the service life of the entire structure, yields significant savings through reduced maintenance and, by reducing road closures, reduces safety risks for workers and road users.

The objectives of SHRP 2 Project R19B were to develop new design codes, performance measures, and implementation tools to lead to longer and more predictable bridge service life. The final report presents the current state of the art, an overview of the service limit state calibration process, the calibration results, and proposed changes to the AASHTO LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design) Bridge Design Specifications.

*To make research available as early as possible, SHRP 2 is temporarily posting final reports that have been submitted by the research team, reviewed according to the relevant National Academy of Sciences procedures, and accepted for publication. These prepublication drafts, which have not been edited or formatted for publication, will be replaced by the final versions as they complete the editorial process.

Linda Mason 

Communications Officer 

www.TRB.org/SHRP2 

202-334-3241

Transportation Research Board, SHRP 2

500 Fifth Street, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20001