Cross-frames are one of the costliest elements in a steel bridge on a per-pound basis. Reducing the number and complexity of cross-frames can have a significant impact on the speed of fabrication, speed of erection, and overall bridge cost. Lean-on bracing represents a way to do just that and potentially eliminate 50% or more of the full cross-frames required for a routine steel I-girder bridge without adding any cost to the girders.

Academic research, including real bridge demonstration projects, has already been completed; however, the industry has been slow to adopt the concept. The Lean-on Bracing Reference Guide is written to educate designers and allay concerns about stability and strength implications. The guide provides design criteria, commentary, and example designs. It is also intended to show bridge designers how to implement lean-on bracing in routine bridge designs with confidence and with minimal computational effort beyond that required for a traditional bracing system.

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