In 2001, CIRIA published C543 Bridge detailing guide, with the primary objective of improving the understanding and effectiveness of construction details specific to highway bridges. Before this guide it had become clear that much of the post construction cost of managing bridges was entailed in their maintenance. It was also acknowledged that the disruption created by maintenance works was becoming increasingly frustrating to the public and, importantly, having a measurable impact on national productivity.
Bridge owners and operators had come to recognise that the most common cause driving maintenance need was poor detailing, particularly where this allowed water ingress into the bridge structure.
The primary objective of C543 was to improve the quality and standardisation of construction details with a specific focus on reducing the potential for water ingress into the structure of highway bridges. The guide represented the best understanding and knowledge of the time.
Since C543 was published, it has become widely adopted in the UK and Ireland and in the design of highway carrying bridges. It is referenced in both the UK and Irish Design Manual for Road and Bridges (DMRB). C543 is typically included in a bridge design basis statement (an approval in principle report, AIP) and commonly appears as a mandated requirement in contracts.
At a practical level, the guidance is welcomed by bridge designers for its straightforward presentation of details and concise descriptions.
It is now timely to reflect on the past 20 years development in bridge design and further learning gained from experience in the use of the guide and the physical performance of its guidance.
Project status
A draft proposal has been developed and fundraising will be underway soon.
Further information
For further information please contact Andy Moores or Sarah Fray