AASHTO LRFD (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load and Resistance Factor Design)

AASHTO LRFD is a modern engineering method used to design bridges and transportation structures. It ensures safety and reliability by considering both the expected loads (like vehicles and weather) and the strength of materials, using specific factors to account for uncertainties. The approach combines these factors into a unified framework, allowing engineers to create structures that are safe under various conditions while avoiding over-conservative designs. Essentially, it balances safety, economy, and durability by applying precise, research-based guidelines to structural design.