These recommendations are intended to provide public agencies, consultants, and other interested personnel with comprehensive criteria for the design and analysis of concrete guideways for public transit systems. They differ from those given for bridge design in ACI 343R, AASHTO bridge specifications, and the AREA manual of standard practice.
The design criteria specifically recognize the unique features of concrete transit guideways, namely, guideway/vehicle interaction, rail/structure interaction, special fatigue requirements, and esthetic requirements in urban areas. The criteria are based on current state-of-the-art practice for moderate-speed [up to 100 mph (160 km/h)] vehicles. The application of these criteria for advanced technologies other than those discussed in this report, require an independent assessment.
ACI 343R is referenced for specific items not covered in these recommendations. These references include materials, construction considerations, and segmental construction.