DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
May 2012
Table 1.6.1-1 – Bridge Drawings Block Dimensions
WIDTH
HEIGHT
Title Block (Standards for Bridge Construction, Standards
for Bridge Design)
8”
4 3/4”
Professional Engineer's Seal Block (and Prepared By)
6”
3”
Professional Engineer's Seal Block (block only)
3”*
3”*
Bridge Supplemental Drawing Block (1/4@ line spacing)
8”
OPEN
7 1/2”
OPEN
DESCRIPTION
Bridge Revision Block
*For BRADD, general plan sheet block will be 2 3/8“ x 3”. For all other BRADD sheets, the
sheet block will be 2 3/8“ x 2 3/8”.
Figure 1.6.1-1 – Example of Dimensions and Details for Design Drawings
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
August 2012
1.6.2 Title Blocks
Refer to Figure 1.6.2-1.
 Show the following on the first sheet only:
+ SUPPLEMENTAL DRWGS.
 Show BRIDGE ENGINEER or CHIEF BRIDGE ENGINEER on the first sheet only.
***For projects designed using the procedures in Publication 10X, Design Manual 1X, Appendix AB, the bridge
engineer signature line should be removed.
Figure 1.6.2-1 – Example of Title Block
1.6.2.1 Basic Information
The outline of the title block, dividing lines, and information basic to all projects will be reprinted on the sheets furnished
by the Department or CADD generated sheets meeting the requirements of PP 1.6.1. The other necessary information shall
be added by the designer and shall be shown on each sheet of design drawings as applicable.
The county, route, section, segment, offset, station, features intersected, sheet number and S-number shall be shown in a
manner similar to the example in Figure PP1.6.2-1.
The offset is to the beginning of the bridge, and the station shown should be at the approximate center of the bridge or at
intersecting base lines as applicable. Segments and offsets for existing bridges shall be consistent with the BMS database.
1.6.2.2 Description of Structure
The number of spans and a brief description of the bridge type (steel, prestressed concrete, etc.) shall be shown below the
general information in the title block.
1.6.2.3 Description of Drawings
A brief description of what is contained on the sheet should be shown below the description of the structure for each
sheet of drawings, e.g., General Plan, General Notes and Quantities, Abutment No. 1, Pier No. 3, Framing Plan Spans 10 and
11,etc.
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
August 2012
Table 1.9-3 – Review and Approval Responsibility for PennDOT Oversight Projects
PennDOT OVERSIGHT PROJECTS
(Interstate projects with cost ≤ $3 million, other NHS projects costing < $15 million and Off NHS Projects)
in accordance with the June 2007 Stewardship and Oversight Agreement
AND NON-FEDERALLY FUNDED PROJECTS INCLUDING LOCAL PROJECTS
TS & L (1)
Item/Category
Final Plans
Approvals (2,3)
Remarks
BDTD
District Br.
Engr.
BDTD
District Br.
Engr.
1. Deck rehabilitation
-

-

2. Superstructure rehabilitation
-

-

3. Substructure rehabilitation
-

-

4. Culvert extension
-

-

5. Wall rehabilitation
-

-

-

(see
remarks)
-

(see
remarks)
BDTD is only responsible for multi-span steel bridges, steel bridges
having skew < 70°, curved girders, complex and unusual bridges,
bridges designed using 3D analysis, and fracture-critical bridges.
7. New bridges & bridge replacements with bridge cost
< $15 million
-

(see
remarks)
-

(see
remarks)
BDTD is only responsible for multi-span steel bridges, steel bridges
having skew < 70°, curved girders, complex and unusual bridges,
bridges designed using 3D analysis, and fracture-critical bridges.
8. New bridges & bridge replacements with bridge cost
≥ $15 million

-
-
Final plan approval authority may be transferred to Dist. Br. Engr. on
case-by-case basis.
9. Culverts
-

-

10. Retaining walls < 30 ft. height
-

-

11. Arches ≤ 60 ft. Span L
-

-

12. Mechanically stabilized earth
walls
-

-

13. Sound Barrier Walls
-

-


-

-
Final plan approval authority may be transferred to Dist. Br. Engr. on
case-by-case basis.
15. Arches > 60 ft.

-

-
Final plan approval authority may be transferred to Dist. Br. Engr. on
case-by-case basis.
16. Designs which use non-AASHTO
load distribution factors

-

-
Final plan approval authority may be transferred to Dist. Br. Engr. on
case-by-case basis.
17. Unusual structures

-

-
Final plan approval authority may be transferred to Dist. Br. Engr. on
case-by-case basis.
18. Anchored walls

-

-
Final plan approval authority may be transferred to Dist. Br. Engr. on
case-by-case basis.
Over STRAHNET, coordinate with FHWA for exceptions to 16.0 ft.
minimum vertical clearance and changes to clearances currently less
than 16.0 ft.. See DM-2, Section 2.20. Other design exceptions must
follow guidance as defined in DM-1X, Appendix P and be coordinated
with HDD.
6. Deck & superstructure
replacement
14. Retaining walls ≥ 30 ft.

19. All design exceptions to structural
design criteria and policies

-

-
20. Non-redundant structures

-

-
21. All experimental or demonstration
items

-

-
22. Light poles
-
-
-

Review and approve for structural capacity only. See Appendix B.
23. Sign structures
-
-
-

No formal approval is required.
24. DMS structures
-


-
Note:
(1) Includes Conceptual and Final TS&L submissions for Design-Build projects.
(2) Includes Final Plans for Design-Build projects.
(3) For projects designed using the procedures in Publication 10X, Design Manual 1X, Appendix AB, all final plan QC reviews are the responsibility
of the design consultant.
A copy of all approvals by Dist. Br. Engr. and completed Q/A forms must be sent to BDTD. Scour, seismic retrofit, safety, expansion dams, and load capacity
items must be addressed for all work categories. All design exceptions for structures must be approved by BDTD and/or FHWA. Exceptions or waivers of
HBP program eligibility criteria must be approved by FHWA Division.
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
May 2012
1.9.2 Permit Applications and Hydrologic and Hydraulic Report
Permit Applications and Hydrologic and Hydraulic Reports shall be prepared to meet the design requirements of Design
Manual, Part 2, Chapter 10; Design Manual, Part 4, Chapter PP7; PennDOT Drainage Manual, Publication 584; active StrikeOff-Letters (SOLs); and applicable requirements for regulatory permits.
The following procedures and guidelines apply to all PennDOT projects (Federal-Aid and 100% State) for the
submission and review of Hydrologic and Hydraulic Reports:
1.
All information required for meeting design and regulatory requirements for individual permits, small projects and
General Permit-11 (GP-11) shall be prepared and submitted in electronic copy through the Joint Permit Application
(JPA2) system. General Permit-3 (Bank Rehabilitation, Bank Protection, and Gravel Bar Removal) and General
Permit-8 (Temporary Road Crossings) may be prepared and submitted electronically if they are a part of a project
as an attachment to a GP-11. All other permit applications shall be prepared and submitted in hardcopy. Permits
for local projects may be prepared in the JPA2 system but shall be submitted in hardcopy. The information
developed shall be reviewed by the District Environmental Manager and District technical staff to ensure
compliance with all applicable design, environmental, and regulatory requirements. The information developed
shall:
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
include the results of the hydrologic and hydraulic analyses associated with design of the waterway structures
or encroachments,
incorporate pertinent prior National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents by reference or excerpt,
address coordination activities with environmental resources agencies, and
reflect any commitments or agreements reached which may affect the processing of the permit application.
For permit applications prepared and submitted in hardcopy, one copy of the permit application package shall be
sent to the Bureau of Project Delivery for quality assurance (Q/A) review. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Reports for
municipal structures using Federal-aid funds also shall be submitted by the Engineering District to Bureau of
Project Delivery for quality assurance (Q/A) review (see Step 5 below). For permit applications prepared and
submitted in hardcopy, the Engineering District shall submit one additional copy of the Hydrologic and Hydraulic
Report to the Bureau of Project Delivery for transmittal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for review
and approval of projects involving any of the following issues:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Significant or controversial channel changes.
Significant or controversial backwater easements.
Significant bridge scour (usually manifested by high stream velocity, severe waterway constriction, deep
foundation and/or expensive scour mitigation measures).
Permanent impoundments or causeways involving roadway embankments.
Major bridges with costs of more than $15 million.
3.
For Joint Permit Applications, the Engineering District shall perform necessary coordination with the applicable
counties and municipalities pursuant to 25 Pa.Code §105.13(d)(1)(v-vi) pertaining to the Stormwater Management
Act (32 P.S. §§680.1 et seq.) and the Floodplain Management Act (32 P.S. §§679.101 et seq.). For permit
applications involving communities with Stormwater Management Plans, or Floodplain Management Plans,
implemented under the Acts, the Engineering District shall request from the local municipality a written statement
that the proposed project is consistent with local stormwater management plans and with local floodplain
management plans. If the Engineering District cannot obtain a written statement of consistency, the Engineering
District must provide sufficient documentation with the permit application to demonstrate consistency with local
plans implemented under the Acts.
4.
For Joint Permit Applications, the Engineering District shall consider local land use plans.
5.
The Engineering District shall complete and sign the appropriate permit application form or letter and send three
sets of the permit application packet (including a completed application form or letter, and the required
attachments) to the appropriate regulatory reviewing authority or submit the permit application to them through the
JPA2 system. More or fewer sets of the permit application packet may be required by the regulatory review
authorities, depending on the type of permits or nature of permit requests involved. For Joint Permit Applications,
the primary regulatory review authority will coordinate review
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
May 2012
ABUT. 1
ABUT. 2
PIER 1
PIER 2
PIER 3
Pile Length (ft):
________
________
________
________
________
Bearing Stratum:
________
________
________
________
________
Boring Number:
________
________
________
________
________
Bottom of Footing Elevation (ft):
________
________
________
________
________
Pile Type & Batter:
________
________
________
________
________
Estimated Pile Length (ft):
________
________
________
________
________
Estimated Pile Tip Elevation (ft):
________
________
________
________
________
Strength Resistance Factor :
________
________
________
________
________
Tip resistance (kips):
________
________
________
________
________
Is pile buckling a consideration?:
________
________
________
________
________
Pile Spacing (greater than 3*D?) (ft):
________
________
________
________
________
Maximum Factored Vertical Load per Pile (kips):
________
________
________
________
________
Unfactored Vertical Load per Pile (kips):
________
________
________
________
________
Maximum Factored Lateral Load per Pile (kips):
________
________
________
________
________
Unfactored Lateral Load per Pile (kips):
________
________
________
________
________
Figure 1.9.4.3-4 – Point Bearing Pile Resistance Form
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
August 2012
1.9.4.3.2 Streamlined Foundation
A Streamlined Submission, as a result of a Bridge Pro-Team meeting, shall include the information outlined in PP
1.9.4.3.1(a), (b), (c) and (d). PP1.9.4.3.1(c) references additional requirements in PP6.3.4.8. PP6.3.4.8(a), (b), and (d)(2)
need not be furnished if borings are provided. PP6.3.4.8(d)(5) may be omitted if discussed in the Pro-Team meeting and
documented in Pro-Team minutes
The submission shall also include a Foundation approval letter with signature blocks, to the District, listing items from
PP 1.9.4.3.1(a) and meeting minutes capturing all alternates discussed with reasoning behind decisions to pursue or exclude.
All involved parties including the appropriate reviewing authorities, not just meeting attendees, should review and approve
the minutes. The minutes should be made available to consultants for review during agreement advertisement for projects
where consultants are used for design.
.
1.9.4.4 Special Considerations
Based upon past experience, the following list of precautionary items is provided:
(a)
Foundation in limestone/dolomite area shall be evaluated conservatively, i.e., use a smaller resistance per pile,
provide grouting if necessary, etc. History of sinkhole activity must be checked.
(b) Piles or other deep foundations shall be recommended for substructure units in flood plain unless the footing will be
supported on bedrock. Exceptions must be evaluated with extreme caution.
(c)
Interference of inclined piles of the same and adjoining substructure units must be checked.
(d) For structure widening, watch for undercutting of existing foundation. Foundation column alternates may be
considered. Similarly, foundation adjoining operating railroad or other property must be evaluated for the use of
foundations column, caissons, etc., to eliminate cost of sheet piling or other similar costly measures.
(e)
Foundations for non-flexible walls or substructure units must be set below the frost depth.
(f)
Pile overdrive requirements may be needed for Conemaugh (clay stone and clay shale), decomposed mica schist
and similar formations, if load test history indicates such a need.
1.9.4.5 Foundation Approval
The following items shall be included, as a minimum, in the foundation approval letter:
(a)
All data outlined in PP 1.9.4.3.1(a).
(b) Reasons for lower than normal allowable foundation pressures, pile loads, etc.
(c)
Specific pile-driving method.
(d) Precautionary notes (for example, "Note that piles will terminate on limestone bedrock and considerable variation
in the pile tip elevations may result").
(e)
A note to the effect that a copy of the foundation approval letter is to be given to the field office for the Inspector's
guidance during construction.
1.9.5 Final Review of Plans
1.9.5.1 Responsibility
Refer to Tables PP1.9-1 and PP1.9-3 for review and approval responsibility for final plans.
Except for projects designed using the procedures in Publication 10X, Design Manual 1X, Appendix AB, the review of
the final plans shall be conducted by either the District or BDTD, whichever has the final plan approval responsibility.
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
August 2012
(o)
Steel structures: Deck pouring sequence (identify lateral support for compression flange); fracture control plan;
Charpy V-notch requirements; identification of tension flange zones; diaphragm connections to girders (fatigueprone details [i.e. out-of-plane bending] shall not be used); end rotation on skewed bridges (compensate in
expansion dam movement classification unless deck block-out detail is used for the dam); direction of deck
placement (skewed placement) to eliminate corner uplift; camber diagram (including differential camber between
fascia and interior girders), appropriate overhang notes (see D6.10.3.2.5.2P and D9.7.1.5.1P), note per D14.7.6.3.5
if a lift-off condition is expected when beam is initially set on bearing pad, weld joint symbols, etc.
(p)
Prefabricated walls: Typical foundation detail, conceptual drawing with all needed locations, dimensions and
elevations, allowable foundation pressure with settlement control plan (if applicable), construction procedure
(where required), barrier connection details, general notes, temporary shoring (where required), drainage details,
abutment details (if applicable), concrete wall abutting details, and other site-specific requirements.
(q) Wall design: Clarify the use of wet or dry soil condition(s) for wall design in the first submission. Also, clarify
how the designer validated assumptions on the construction or contract plans.
(r) Completed applicable Q/A Forms D-506 through D-518 (refer to Appendix A).
(s)
Demolition procedures including a schematic plan as approved by the railroad at TS&L submission shall be
provided for the removal of structures over or adjacent to railroads.
1.9.6 Final Plans
1.9.6.1 Responsibility
Refer to Tables PP1.9-1 and PP1.9-3 for final plans.
1.9.6.1.1 Responsibility of District Bridge Engineer
The District may consult BDTD about unusual cases. When Federal funds are used in any phase of a project, PennDOT
oversight project procedure shall be followed.
Bridge-mounted sound barrier plans shall be approved for structural adequacy only.
1.9.6.1.2 Responsibility of BDTD
The District Executive shall submit the plans, special provisions, one set of prints and the review prints with BDTD's
comments to BDTD for approval of the bridge plans.
BDTD will review and approve the plans and Special Provisions after satisfactory resolution of all comments, and will
send prints of the approved plans, if necessary, or when requested by the District for preparing PS&E submission.
Bridge-mounted noise barrier plans shall be approved for structural adequacy only.
1.9.6.2 Plan Presentation
See PP1.6, “Plan Presentation”. If the plans are prepared by a consulting engineer, the first sheet shall be signed and
stamped by a Professional Engineer registered in Pennsylvania.
For design review performed by consultants, see PP1.3.4, which provides additional requirements.
All comments from the review of the final plans (PP1.9.5) shall be addressed before the final plans are approved.
1.9.6.3 Signing of Bridge Plans
Except for projects designed using the procedures in Publication 10X, Design Manual 1X, Appendix AB, the first sheet
shall be dated and signed by the Chief Bridge Engineer or the District Bridge Engineer, depending on whose office has
signature authority. All other sheets, except core boring sheets, shall be dated only. The core boring sheets shall neither be
signed nor dated, except as indicated in PP1.9.4.3.1(b)(5).
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DM-4, Chapter 1 – Administrative Considerations
August 2012
The following procedure shall be followed for the approval of structure plans for local projects:
1.
Federally-Funded Local Projects:
The structure plans shall be processed using appropriate (PennDOT oversight or Federal oversight) procedures.
The District Bridge Engineer should sign the first sheet of the structure plans and indicate the approval date on the
remaining sheets.
2.
State-Funded Local Projects:
The structure plans shall be processed as specified in Chapter 3 of Publication 9. The District Bridge Engineer
should sign the first sheet of structure drawings "For Structural Adequacy Only" and indicate the approval date on
the remaining sheets.
If separate structure plans are not prepared, all structure-related drawings shall be distinctly separated (preferably at the
end) from other drawings, such as highway plans or traffic plans, etc. In such case, the District Bridge Engineer shall sign
the sheet where the structure drawings begin and indicate the approval date on the remaining structure sheets.
1.9.7 PS&E Submission
1.9.7.1 General
See Design Manual, Part 1C, Chapter 4. The bridge plans must be signed before submitting PS&E submission to the
Contract Management Section, Highway Delivery Division of the Bureau of Project Delivery.
For Bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects incorporate the following with the PS&E submission to Central Office:
Indicate the availability of the existing bridge plans on the Title Sheet of
the contract plans, as shown:
Sample Title Sheet
Also Included
Interconnection Plans
Traffic Signal Plans
Traffic Control Plans
Pavement markings & Signing Plans
Structure Plans S-21004
Landscaping Plans
Existing Bridge Plans (Upon Request)
S-xxxxx
S-zzzzz
4 Sheets
21 Sheets
5 Sheets
9 Sheets
2 Sheets
10 Sheets
Sheets
Sheets
Include one set of existing bridge plans (half-size), as well as plans of any interim work done on the existing structures.
Include only those plans and/or shop drawings which have been used and are appropriate in preparing the proposed contract
bridge plans.
Stamp sheet “For Reference Only” on each existing bridge plan submitted.
The existing plans (half-size) and the construction plans will be sold to the prospective bidders, upon request, by the
Contract Sales Store.
1.9.7.2 Responsibility of District Bridge Engineer
Except for projects designed using the procedures in Publication 10X, Design Manual 1X, Appendix AB, the District
Bridge Engineer is responsible for correct item numbers, descriptions and quantities shown on the bridge plans, and this
information shall be cross checked by the District with roadway plans. The Bridge Quantity Summary shall be shown on the
roadway plans.
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