public walking bridge - which code

[Hyrax4978]

I was semi roped into a project as the only architect in a large engineering firm.
Not part of the team, but was "asked" a question.

team assigned to the project felt IBC didn't apply.

Its a public walking bridge over a pond on municipal land. think park where people go to walk, and then use the bridge to walk over the body of water.

Does IBC apply?

I believe it does. the team did not. they felt only accessible codes would apply.

Curious if anyone has done one that could chime in.

thank you,

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The IBC regulates the design and construction of structures in addition to buildings. We routinely review permit applications for cell towers, for example. A pedestrian bridge is a structure.

[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the
construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance,
removal and demolition of every building or structure or any
appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or
structures.

The IBC definition of "Structure":

[A] STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed

And the 2021 IBC Commentary on that definition:

This definition is intentionally broad so as to include
within its scope, and therefore the scope of the code
(see Section 101.2), everything that is built as an
improvement to real property. See also the definitions
for “Building” and “Area, building” for the difference
between a building and structure.

 

[Hyrax4978]

Thank you. Just needed a gut check. One of the team members (PE. Not an architect) is probably one of the smartest people I have ever met. I enjoy proving smart people wrong, but love to have that gut check as the only registered Architect here.

 

[bill1952]

So, if the IBC applies to this pedestrian bridge, does it apply to a highway bridge? The pedestrian portion of a highway bridge? I can only guess that's what the engineer colleagues are thinking?

 

[Hyrax4978]

Why should it not apply to a highway bridge?

 

[Hyrax4978]

I could see if there was nobody walking on it, just a highway, but if you have people i would think more than AASHTO would be required. But i say that not really knowing what all is contained in AASHTO

 

[steveray]

Why should it not apply to a highway bridge?

If it is a ROW typically it would be a DOT or whatever spec….Public land/ lot/ property sounds like IBC

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Why should it not apply to a highway bridge?

Basically, because a highway bridge is not located on a saleable parcel of real estate, it is located in a public right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation. In a legalistic sense, even the land comprising public rights-of-way falls within most definitions of "real property," but for practical purposes such land is treated differently.