Category: Structural Design

A Crash Course for Load Ratings and Bridge Posting Signs

Have You Ever Wondered What Those Weight Signs Posted at the Ends of a Bridge Mean? These weight posting signs display the maximum safe weight for a vehicle. Since there are a number of different vehicle sizes and shapes on the roads today, different types of vehicles called “Legal Loads” are individually analyzed. Each legal… Read More »

Culverts: The Essential Infrastructure You Never Knew You Needed

By Dan Sydow, PE The so-called “atmospheric rivers” that have dropped massive volumes of rain upon California this winter are calling renewed attention to the importance of adequate flood control infrastructure across the United States. About the Expert: Dan Sydow, PE, is Structural Engineering Group Manager of Ayres’ Midwest Transportation division. He has designed hundreds… Read More »

What Is Riprap? And Why It Rocks!

What is Riprap? Riprap describes a range of rocky material placed along shorelines, bridge foundations, steep slopes, and other shoreline structures to protect from scour and erosion. Rocks used range from 4 inches to over 2 feet. The size of the rock needed on a project depends on the steepness of the slope and how… Read More »