Structures Detailing Manual Topic No.

625-020-018
Introduction January 2019

INTRODUCTION
I.1 GENERAL
A. The FDOT Structures Detailing Manual (SDM) is Volume 2 of the Structures
Manual. See the Structures Manual Introduction for additional information
including authority, scope, distribution and process for modifications to the
Structures Manual.
B. This volume of the Structures Manual provides guidance for drafting and detailing
criteria and methods for use in preparing Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
contract plans for structural elements or systems. These elements or systems include
bridges, overhead sign structures, earth retaining structures and other miscellaneous
highway structures. The SDM includes preferred details and examples of general
component plan sheets. The information required to be shown on each type of sheet
includes but is not limited to the items listed for the sheet in the SDM chapters.
C. Additional information on overhead sign structures, high-mast light poles, and
miscellaneous roadway appurtenances as well as general administrative, geometric,
shop drawing, and plans processing may be found in the FDOT Design Manual
(FDM) Topic No. 625-000-002.
D. As a supplement to the SDM, a series of examples which represent some of the
many situations a designer may encounter when designing a bridge has been
compiled. These Structures Detailing Manual Examples are provided to convey
detailing and organizational requirements and not to present actual design examples.
In the event that any detail and/or design information shown in these examples does
not meet the requirements set forth in the Structures Manual, the Structures
Manual requirements shall prevail.

I.2 FORMAT
A. The SDM is presented in both 8 1/2-inch x 11-inch and 11-inch x 17-inch formats
consisting of text, figures, charts, graphs and example drawings. This Manual
provides standard engineering criteria and guidelines to be used in the development
of engineering drawings of structures for which the Structures Design Office (SDO)
has responsibility.
B. The SDM is intended to be used in conjunction with the Structures Design
Guidelines (SDG), Standard Plans, FDOT Design Manual (FDM) (Topic No. 625-
000-002), and the CADD Manual.
C. The SDM is written primarily in the active voice to Structural Designers, Professional
Engineers, Engineers of Record, Structural Engineers, and Geotechnical Engineers
engaged in work for the Florida Department of Transportation.
D. Refer to the CADD Manual, Section 4.13.8, for FDOT Drafting Standards related to
file naming convention, level names, line weights, line styles and color, text fonts, size,
weight and color and dimension styles for Structures QC electronic plan submittal
requirements.

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