DN STR 03005 02 PDF
DN STR 03005 02 PDF
DN STR 03005 02 PDF
Footbridges
DN-STR-03005
July 2004
DN Design
Standards
TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IRELAND (TII) PUBLICATIONS
About TII
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is responsible for managing and improving the country’s
national road and light rail networks.
TII maintains an online suite of technical publications, which is managed through the TII
Publications website. The contents of TII Publications is clearly split into ‘Standards’ and
‘Technical’ documentation. All documentation for implementation on TII schemes is collectively
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collectively referred to as TII Publications (Technical). This system replaces the NRA Design
Manual for Roads and Bridges (NRA DMRB) and the NRA Manual of Contract Documents for
Road Works (NRA MCDRW).
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National Roads Authority Volume 2 Section 2
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges BD 29/04
Addendum
NRA ADDENDUM TO
BD 29/04
Standard BD 29/04 − Design Criteria for Footbridges − is applicable in Ireland with the following
amendments:
GENERAL
1. This Standard provides specification requirements for use in public purchasing contracts. It does
not lay down legislation requirements for products and materials used in road construction in
Ireland.
2. This Standard should be used forthwith for all schemes for the construction and/or improvement of
footbridges. The Standard should be applied to the design of schemes already being prepared
unless, in the opinion of the National Roads Authority, application would result in significant
additional expense or delay progress. In such cases, Design Organisations should confirm the non-
application of this Standard to particular schemes with the National Roads Authority.
3. At several locations:
For: “BD…”
Read: “NRA BD…”
For: “BS….”
Read: “UK BS….”
July 2004 1
National Roads Authority Volume 2 Section 2
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges BD 29/04
Addendum
SPECIFIC
Chapter 3 – Layout
July 2004 2
National Roads Authority Volume 2 Section 2
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges BD 29/04
Addendum
Chapter 7 – Parapets
July 2004 3
National Roads Authority Volume 2 Section 2
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges BD 29/04
Addendum
Chapter 15 – Enquiries
……………………………………………
E O’CONNOR
Head of Project Management and Engineering
July 2004 4
DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES
PART 8
BD 29/04
SUMMARY
August 2004
DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES BD 29/04
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Summary: This Standard specifies design criteria for footbridges for use by pedestrians,
cyclists and equestrians.
Volume 2 Section 2
Part 8 BD 29/04 Registration of Amendments
REGISTRATION OF AMENDMENTS
Amend Page No Signature & Date of Amend Page No Signature & Date of
No incorporation of No incorporation of
amendments amendments
August 2004
Volume 2 Section 2
Registration of Amendments Part 8 BD 29/04
REGISTRATION OF AMENDMENTS
Amend Page No Signature & Date of Amend Page No Signature & Date of
No incorporation of No incorporation of
amendments amendments
August 2004
DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES
PART 8
BD 29/04
Contents
Chapter
1. Introduction
2. General Principles
3. Layout
4. Bridge Supports
5. Design Standards
6. Dimensional Standards
7. Parapets
9. Drainage
11. Lighting
13. References
15. Enquiries
August 2004
Volume 2 Section 2 Chapter 1
Part 8 BD 29/04 Introduction
1. INTRODUCTION
General Definitions
1.1 This Standard deals mainly with geometric and 1.5 For the definition of the general highway terms
user requirements. Other design aspects such as used in this Standard such as “highway types” (trunk
strength and properties of materials are covered by road, motorway etc) and “components of the highways”
other documents within the DMRB Series. (carriageway, verge etc) refer to BS 6100; Subsection
2.4.1.
1.2 This Standard supersedes standard BD 29/87
including those aspects of Technical Memorandum 1.6 Particular terms used in this standard are defined
BE1/78 that relate to footbridges. It is to be used where as follows:
appropriate in conjunction with the relevant Parts of
BS 5400 as implemented by the Overseeing Desire Line Line likely to be taken by
Organisation except where otherwise specified by this pedestrians finding the
Standard. shortest route between two
points.
1.3 The major changes to this document are as
follows: Goal orientated users Users making a journey to
reach a specific destination.
a) Advice is given on considering all relevant
factors before deciding the form and layout of the Recreational users Users making a journey for
footbridge with a view to developing structures leisure purposes.
that encourage greater use and appreciation by
the public. Bridleway Public right of way open to
pedestrians, equestrians and
b) The provisions for users with visual or mobility cyclists.
impairment have been incorporated into the
general provisions. Cyclist A pedal cyclist.
c) Figures have been included to illustrate certain Footway Public right of way for
provisions/advice. pedestrian use only.
d) Definitions of terms have been provided. Cycle Lane A separate part of the footway
or footbridge for use by pedal
Implementation cycles.
Mandatory Sections
1.4 This standard shall be used forthwith on all
future road schemes for the construction,
implementation, improvement and maintenance of 1.7 Sections of this document, which form part
trunk roads. It shall apply also to schemes of the standards that the Overseeing Organisation
currently in preparation provided that, in the expects in design, are highlighted by being
opinion of the Overseeing Organisation, this will contained in boxes. These are the sections with
not result in significant additional expense or delay which the Design Organisation must comply, or
progress. Design Organisations shall confirm its have agreed a suitable departure from standard
application to particular schemes with the with the relevant Overseeing Organisation. The
Overseeing Organisation. remainder of the document contains advice and
enlargement that is commended to designers for
their consideration.
Scope
2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Provision of Footbridges
3. LAYOUT
Appearance
4. BRIDGE SUPPORTS
5. DESIGN STANDARDS
General
particularly be considered. For any footbridge
having modal frequencies below these limits
5.1 Steel and concrete footbridges shall be consideration should be given by the Designer, in
designed in accordance with the relevant Parts of agreement with the Overseeing Organisation, to
BS 5400 as implemented by Departmental any requirements needed for carrying out
Standards or where implemented, by the relevant appropriate dynamic testing in order to verify that
European Code. the footbridge is suitable for entry into service, and
to the provisions needed for the future installation
5.2 The loading and loading effects to be used
if required of vibration reduction devices such as
for the design of timber and aluminium footbridges
dampers. Criteria for accepting or rejecting a
shall be those given in BD 37 (DMRB 1.3.14) and
design on the basis of its expected dynamics shall
BD 60 (DMRB 1.3.5) for collision loading. For
be agreed with the Overseeing Organisation.
timber structures, where permissible stress
methods of design are used, the unfactored
nominal values shall be applied. Minimum Thickness of Metal Sections
5.3 Timber and aluminium footbridges shall 5.5 The minimum thickness of metal structural
generally comply with the requirements of elements shall be as follows:
BS 5268 and BS 8118 respectively or where
implemented, by the relevant European Code.
Steel plates and sections other than
hollow sections 6mm
Vibration and Dynamic Response
Steel hollow sections effectively sealed
5.4 Due consideration shall be given by the by welding 5mm
Designer to the susceptibility of any footbridge to Aluminium alloy plates and sections 4mm
vibrations induced by pedestrians and by other
bridge users. Particular consideration shall be
given to the possibility that vandals may
deliberately attempt to excite the structure into
motion or that the passage of large numbers of
people may unintentionally do so. All footbridges
shall satisfy the vibration serviceability
requirements set out in BD 37 (DMRB 1.3.14)
Appendix B5.5. Designers should be aware that
footbridges having modes of oscillation with
frequencies less than 5Hz involving vertical
motions of the deck, and/or less than 1.5Hz
involving horizontal motions of the deck, are
particularly susceptible to unacceptably large
oscillations caused by the passage of large groups
of people who may unconsciously or deliberately
synchronise their walking patterns. Such
oscillations can present a hazard to pedestrians on
the structure and can risk damaging the structure
itself. The possibility of the synchronisation of a
large number of people to vertical motions should
6. DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Clearances
1 in 20. Where a deck is steeper than 1 in 20 the
requirements regarding landings may be waived
6.1 The vertical clearances to the carriageway across the deck in agreement with the Overseeing
shall be in accordance with Departmental Standard Organisation, having given due regard to the likely
TD 27 (DMRB 6.1.2). The vertical and horizontal mobility levels of the bridge users in consultation
clearances to railways, canals and watercourses with the local access and disability groups.
shall be agreed with the Appropriate Authority. For
example, the vertical and horizontal clearances to 6.5 Normally, gradients on the deck shall be no
rivers and watercourses in England shall be agreed steeper than those adopted for the access ramps.
with the Environment Agency and the Land However, where the deck form incorporates a varying
Drainage Authority. slope (e.g. suspension, trafficked arch, stressed ribbon
etc.), this requirement may be relaxed over localised
6.2 The horizontal clearance from the edge of lengths of the deck by agreement with the Overseeing
the carriageway to the bridge supports shall be a Organisation, having given due regard to the likely
minimum of 4.5m unless otherwise agreed with the mobility levels of the bridge users in consultation with
Overseeing Organisation. Where a clearance of the local access and disability groups.
4.5m or greater cannot be achieved, the bridge
supports shall be designed for collision loading to Stairs
BD 60 (DMRB 1.3.5) and/or provided with
appropriate road restraint systems. 6.6 Access stairs to footbridges shall comply
with the dimensional and safety requirements of
Width BS 5395 for ‘public’ stairs, except as amended
below (see also Figure 6):
6.3 The clear width of the bridge, ramps and
stairs, which shall be not less than 2m, shall be (a) The number of risers in a single flight shall
derived on the following basis to meet the peak not be more than 13.
pedestrian flows: (b) A maximum of three successive flights may
be used in line, provided any adjacent flights
a) On the level or up to 1 in 20 gradient: provide a change in direction of at least 30
300mm of width per 20 persons per minute. degrees.
b) On steps or ramps steeper than 1 in 20 (c) The risers and treads of each step in a flight
gradient: 300mm of width per 14 persons of stairs shall be uniform.
per minute.
(d) Risers shall not be variable in height over
c) For shared use with cyclists and equestrians their width.
the requirements contained in Section 12
(e) The riser shall be not more than 150mm.
shall also be complied with.
(f) The tread width shall be not less than
Gradients on Bridge Structure 300mm and not greater than 350mm.
(g) Landing lengths shall be not less than 2m
6.4 Where the bridge structure incorporates an measured along the centre line of the stairs,
inclined deck, the slope requirements regarding or not less than the width of the stairs,
plain ramps shall apply. However, the requirements whichever is the greater.
regarding spacing of landings on ramps may not be
practical across a deck structure and for this reason Further guidance can be obtained from Inclusive
the deck slope should normally be no steeper than Mobility (Ref. 8).
Landings
Figure 6 (ref para. 6.6) 6.14 For straight or spiral ramps of gradient 1 in
20, landings shall be provided at equal intervals of
6.8 Consideration should be given by the Designer to maximum rise 2.5m. For gradients flatter than 1 in
the provision of solid infill panels to parapets and step 20, intermediate landings are not required.
risers to protect the privacy of users and screening to
protect the privacy of neighbouring dwellings. 6.15 For straight ramps of gradient steeper than
1 in 20, horizontal landings shall be provided at
Ramps intervals producing a rise of no more than 650mm
between landings.
Plain Ramps
6.16 The length of a landing shall not be less than
6.9 Ramps for pedestrians, cyclists and 2m measured for straight ramps on the centreline
equestrians shall not be steeper than 1 in 20 unless of the ramp or for spiral ramps circumferentially at
agreed otherwise with the Overseeing 900mm from the walkway edge on the inside of the
Organisation. For reasons of keeping the access on curve.
the desire line, or to avoid long diversions, or to
avoid damage to the environment, or for reasons of
limitations of space, a steeper ramp may be used,
preferably no steeper than 1 in 15. However, no
ramp shall be steeper than 1 in 12.
7. PARAPETS
Handrails
7.1 All bridge spans, ramps and stairs shall be
provided with parapets. Parapets shall conform to
the current requirements of the Overseeing 7.4 Handrails shall be provided on both sides of
Organisation given in the IRRRS or, when stairs, ramps and to decks with a gradient steeper
implemented, by EN1317 Part 6, and the than 1 in 20. Handrails shall be designed in
following: accordance with BS 8300. Additional central
handrails need only be provided where the width
(a) No upstand is required under the parapet on of the stairs or ramps exceeds 3m. Handrails may
stairs. either be fixed to the parapet or be self-standing.
The height of the handrail shall be not less than
(b) Where the parapet is provided with a bottom 900mm or more than 1000mm, measured vertically
rail, the clearance from the rail to the nose above the line joining the noses of the stairs or
of the stairs shall be not less than 50mm and above the line of the ramps as appropriate.
not greater than 100mm.
7.5 Handrails of circular section should preferably
(c) The height of the parapet shall be measured have a diameter of 40 – 50mm and if within an
vertically above the line joining the noses of enclosure should have a clearance from any part of the
the stairs. frame of 50 – 60mm. Those of non-circular section
should preferably be 50mm wide by 38mm deep with
(d) For plain or spiral ramps the height of the rounded edges.
upstand shall be not less than 25mm and not
more than 50mm. 7.6 Handrails should be of a contrasting colour to the
parapet to which it is attached, to aid those with visual
(e) If glass is used it shall be laminated. A impairment. Further guidance on provision of
rigorous risk assessment shall be undertaken handrailings can be found in Inclusive Mobility
during the selection of the glazing system. It (Ref. 8).
shall be demonstrated that the panels, if
damaged in service, would retain sufficient 7.7 The handrail and its fixings shall be
post fracture strength to remain in place designed to resist a uniformly distributed load of
within its fixings on the structure. Shards 700 N/m applied separately in the horizontal and
created during the shattering of the outer
vertical directions in such a way that the system is
plies shall be large enough to be retained by
designed for the most severe effects. This loading
the laminating materials.
is not additional to the loading for parapets.
8.1 Where it is considered that there is a high 8.5 The minimum headroom inside the
risk of objects being dropped or thrown from the enclosure shall be as follows:
footbridge, or if there is a high risk of persons
jumping onto the carriageway, consideration shall Pedestrian only 2.3m
be given by the Designer to full or partial Pedestrian and Cyclist 2.4m
enclosure of the crossing and its ramps or stairs, Equestrian (dismounting provisions
where these are over the highway. The need for in accordance with 12.14) 2.7m
such provision shall be agreed with the Overseeing Equestrian (mounted) 3.7m
Organisation. The National Institute of Mental
Health can help identify problem areas, in 8.6 A vertical clearance envelope shall be
pursuance of the National Suicide Strategy for maintained at all locations on decks, stairs and
England (Ref. 9). The design of an enclosure shall ramps whether open or enclosed appropriate to the
be such that unauthorised access to the sides or the respective user groups. No part of any structural
roof is prevented. items such as cable stays, enclosure frames etc, or
any signing or other attachments, shall intrude into
8.2 Consideration should be given by the Designer to the envelope. The clearance envelope shall be
enclosing footbridges when they are on sites exposed to formed by a vertical line flush with the innermost
very adverse weather, e.g. high winds, or where they are surface of each parapet, fence or handrail, and a
of such a height above the road that pedestrians may horizontal line complying with the height
feel insecure. The need for such provision shall be requirements given in 8.5. Where shared facilities
agreed with the Overseeing Organisation. exist, the height shall be the greatest height of the
respective users.
8.3 Where bridge enclosures are proposed,
aerodynamic effects shall be considered. Wind
tunnel testing may be required and guidance is
given in BD 49 (DMRB 1.3.3). Requirements shall
be agreed with the Overseeing Organisation.
9. DRAINAGE
11. LIGHTING
Footbridge Designed for Combined Use by 12.6 Whether ramps are segregated or not, for long
Pedestrians and Cyclists ramps, consideration should be given by the Designer to
providing chicane barriers to slow down mounted
12.2 Shared facilities may be segregated or cyclists. This should be done in such a way that the
unsegregated. The form of segregation on the structure passage of perambulators and wheelchairs or mobility
as determined locally shall be compatible with the and visually impaired users would not be hindered, and
segregation on the approaches. Where practical, and should preferably be located on level landings
where agreed with the Overseeing Organisation, especially where ramp slopes are steeper than 1 in 20.
differing surface textures on segregated footways to aid
visually impaired users may be continued across the Footbridge Designed for Combined Use by
structure. Pedestrians and Equestrians
12.3 Where the crossing is part of a pedestrian
12.7 Where a crossing is designated for
and cycle route, specific provision shall be made in
equestrian use, it shall be designed in accordance
accordance with the guidance on shared use by
with BD 37 (DMRB 1.3.14) and 7.1 above. All
cyclists and pedestrians contained in Local
crossings catering for equestrians shall be designed
Transport Note 2/86 (Ref. 10) or any current
for combined pedestrian/equestrian use.
update of that document. In Scotland, reference
shall be made to ‘Cycling by Design’ (Ref. 13). 12.8 The minimum width of a footbridge for
combined pedestrian/equestrian use shall be 3.5m.
12.4 The minimum widths for a footpath (or
footway) and a cycle track on a bridge and ramps 12.9 Where the crossing is not part of a designated
shall be: bridleway, consideration should be given by the
Designer to providing mounting/dismounting blocks on
Pedestrian Cycle Total
Path Path Width
the approaches to the bridge to enable horses to be led
across.
When segregated
by kerb not less 1.75m 1.75m 3.5m 12.10 In pursuance of 12.7 above, where agreed with
than 50mm high the Overseeing Organisation the use of solid infill
panels higher than the minimum requirement defined in
When segregated
the documents referred to in 7.1 above may be
by railings not 1.95m 1.95m 3.9m
less than 900mm permitted in order to reduce the risk of horses being
high startled by traffic on the carriageway below. Due
account shall be taken of the effects of this on
When segregated aesthetics and potential loss of utility to other users.
by a white line, 1.5m 1.5m 3.0m
colour contrast or
surface texture
Unsegregated - - 2.0m
13. REFERENCES
BS 5395: Part 1: Code of Practice for the Design of 8. Inclusive Mobility, Department for Transport,
Straight Stairs London, 2000
BS 8300: Design of buildings and their Approaches to 9. National Suicide Prevention Strategy,
meet the needs of disabled people - Code of Practice Department of Health, London 2002
BS 5489: Part 6: Lighting for bridges and elevated 10. Local Transport Note 2/86 – Shared use by
roads Cyclists and Pedestrians – August 1986, HMSO
BS 5395: Part 1: Code of Practice for the Design of 11. Interim Requirements for Road Restraint Systems
Straight Stairs (IRRRS)
2. Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB): 12. Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces.
TSO Department for Transport (1998)
BD 37 Loads for Highway Bridges (DMRB 1.3.14) 13. Cycling by Design: A Consultation Paper –
December 1999, Scottish Executive
BD 60 The Design of Highway Bridges for Vehicle
Collision Loads (DMRB 1.3.5)
15. ENQUIRIES
All technical enquiries or comments on this Standard should be sent in writing as appropriate to:
Director of Engineering
Department for Regional Development
Roads Service
Clarence Court
10-18 Adelaide Street G W ALLISTER
Belfast BT2 8GB Director of Engineering