CSA S7:23

Preface This is the first edition of CSA S7, Pedestrian, cycling, and multiuse bridge design guideline. This Guideline is based on limit states design principles and defines design loads, load combinations and load factors, criteria for earthquake resistant design, detailed design criteria for various materials and geometry, sustainability and durability, as well as guidelines for aesthetic considerations in Annex B. This Guideline has been written in normative (mandatory) language to facilitate adoption where users of the Guideline, owners, or regulatory authorities may wish to adopt it formally. CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Guideline was made possible by the financial support from AluQuébec, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, Canadian Wood Council, City of Edmonton, City of Mississauga, City of Toronto, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and Ministère des Transports et de la mobilité durable (of Québec). CSA Group also acknowledges the role of the Transportation Association of Canada’s Structures Committee in the conception of this Guideline. This Guideline was prepared by the Subcommittee on Pedestrian, Cycling, and Multiuse Bridge Design, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and the Steering Committee on Construction and Civil Infrastructure, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Guideline has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. Scope 1.1 Scope of Guideline This Guideline applies to the design, evaluation, and structural rehabilitation design of standalone pedestrian, cycling, and multiuse bridges in Canada. The Guideline also includes technical clauses related to geometric design, accessibility, safety, durability, and sustainability. There is no limit on span, but this Guideline does not necessarily cover all aspects of design for every type of long-span bridges. This Guideline also covers the design of appurtenances, such as ramps and stairs, that are structurally connected to the pedestrian, cycling and multiuse bridges. The provisions contained herein are to be used in conjunction with CSA S6 as this Guideline is not a standalone design document and will, in many cases, refer to CSA S6 and other standards and specifications. Further, the Clauses within this Guideline were developed as interconnected and complementary to each other, and it is expected that all Clauses will be considered on projects where it is applied. For pedestrian bridges not entirely within the scope of this Guideline, the Clauses specified in this Guideline apply only when appropriate. Necessary additional or alternative design criteria are subject to approval by the owner. 1.2 Bridge users This Guideline applies to two main user groups: pedestrian and cyclists. Other users include but are not limited to equestrians, skiers, users of micro-mobility devices, off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and maintenance and emergency vehicles. However, the provisions in this Guideline for these users might not be covered extensively. Where provisions for a specific user are not included in these Guidelines, engineering judgement and/or reference to other codes and standards should be used. 1.3 Accessibility The minimum requirements stated in this Guideline are intended to accommodate all users, including those with reduced mobility. Special consideration must be given when waiving or modifying the provisions in this Guideline and only when appropriate and approved by the owner. For more information, refer to Clause 2 as well as local codes and standards having jurisdiction. 1.4 Bridge components and types In addition to Clause 1.1, this Guideline is intended for the following stand-alone (e.g., not structurally supported on, above and below by a highway or railway bridge) bridge types and bridge components: a) beam type bridges; b) arch and truss bridges; c) cable-supported bridges; d) pre-fabricated bridges; e) buried structures where users move on top of and in the transverse direction of the structure; and f) stairs and ramps structurally connected to bridges. 1.5 Exclusions This Guideline is not intended to apply to the following: a) vehicular bridges that also support designated shared-use walkway for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicular users (refer to CSA S6); b) underground structures and tunnels in which users travel within and in the longitudinal direction of the structure; c) structures connected to buildings such as bridges, ramps, and stairs; and d) marine structures, e.g., docks, dock ramps, wharfs, and jetties. This Guideline does not contain clauses related to coastal effects (e.g., exposure to sea action and icebergs) or to mountainous terrain effects (e.g., avalanches, debris flows, and debris torrents). For bridges that can be subjected to such effects, specialists should be retained to review and advise on the design and to ensure that the applicable requirements of other codes and standards are met. 1.6 Terminology In this Guideline, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the guideline; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not mandatorily required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Guideline. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate normative clauses from explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.