Seismic design for bridges & structures

Find seismic design and retrofit information for new and existing structures.

Related manual chapters

Chapter 4 - Seismic Design and Retrofit (PDF 4.7MB) provides guidance for expected bridge performance and post-earthquake service levels. This chapter details WSDOT additions and modifications to the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. It also includes design requirements for widening projects, retrofit projects and walls and buried structures.

Bridge Design Manual 

Complete Bridge design guidance is found in the Bridge Design Manual (M 23-50).

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Slow down – lives are on the line.

Excessive speed was a top cause of work zone collisions in 2024.

Phone down, eyes up.

Work zones need our undivided attention.

It's in EVERYONE’S best interest.

96% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians, not just our road crews.