Russian Ministry of Construction has updated the regulatory documents governing the design and construction of transportation facilities: SP (code of rules and regulations) 35 "Bridges and culverts" and SP 122 "Railways and highway tunnels". The documents came into force on July 1, 2021.
When updating the SP 35 the main attention was paid to the problems of the safety of traffic on the bridges. The new technologies of concrete work allow reducing considerably the variations in the properties of concrete in the structures. In this regard, on the basis of the experimental studies in the new edition of the code it was allowed to use non-linear calculation methods for reinforced concrete bridges.
Also, updated document provides an opportunity to use new materials which have been tested not only in the laboratory, but also in existing structures during the experimental design and construction of the bridges. These are the new classes of reinforcement, steel, high-strength concretes of grades higher than B60 and composite materials.
Provisions on the practical use of modern methods of construction of foundation pits have been introduced in SP 122 "Railway and road tunnels". They ensure reliability and stability of enclosing structures and prevent sagging of buildings and structures in the surrounding area.
Introduced changes simplify and accelerate designing and in many cases allow to avoid the development of ad hoc technical specifications. These changes are focused on the harmonization of regulatory requirements with European and international standards.
