Bridges
- Publication no: ABC2017-143-17
- Published: 26 April 2017
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This paper presents some of the innovations that will be included within AS/NZS 5100.6, the first harmonized standard between Australia and New Zealand for the design of steel and composite bridges. As Chairs of the Committees responsible for AS/NZS 5100.6 and AS/NZS 2327, the first two authors of this paper present the challenges faced from the introduction of concrete compressive strengths up to 100 MPa together with quenched and tempered steels with a yield strength up to 690 MPa. As well as introducing the structure of the new standard, an overview of the research work that was required to develop design rules to support the new material strengths will be given which, inter alia, includes: resistance of headed stud connectors; resistance and buckling strength of composite columns; and fatigue verification. One of the innovative aspects of this standard is the introduction of an appendix that provides rules for alternate steel products that have been successfully used in New Zealand for the last 24-years, which is underpinned by rigorous structural reliability analyses undertaken by Australian and New Zealand researchers, including the authors of this paper. Finally, AS/NZS 5100.6 follows the international trend to provide reliability differentiation during fabrication and erection through satisfying appropriate quality control and management measures.