LOUISIANA BRIDGE DESIGN AND EVALUATION
MANUAL (BDEM)

On behalf of the LA DOTD, SDR created the Bridge Design and Evaluation Manual (BDEM). The BDEM consists of four major parts: Policies and Procedures, Design Specifications, Design and Detail Aids, and Background Information. The document was created with the objective of obtaining uniformity and establishing standard policies and procedures in the preparation of engineering and construction plans for bridge and highway structures. All LA DOTD-related projects are required to follow this manual as a reference.

Temperature Range Study

The temperature range study was conducted to investigate the actual typical Louisiana temperature range for the calculation of temperature induced stress and movements in bridge design. AASHTO specifications regarding temperature range are not indicative of Louisiana’s climate; therefore, modifications were determined and summarized in the LA DOTD BDEM.