Highway structures

design guide
This design guide sets out the NZ Transport Agency’s design
requirements for all permanent highway structures on the state highway
network. It also sets out the Transport Agency’s design requirements for
earthworks, including natural slopes, embankments and cuttings.
Highway structures design
guide

© NZ Transport Agency
www.nzta.govt.nz
First edition, Amendment 0

Effective from May 2016

ISBN 978-0-478-44597-8 (Online)
Copyright information
This publication is copyright © NZ Transport Agency.
Material in it may be reproduced for personal or in-house
use without formal permission or charge, provided suitable
acknowledgement is made to this publication and the
NZ Transport Agency as the source. Requests and enquiries
about the reproduction of material in this publication for any
other purpose should be made to:
Manager, Information
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
The permission to reproduce material in this publication
does not extend to any material for which the copyright is
identified as being held by a third party. Authorisation to
reproduce material belonging to a third party must be
obtained from the copyright holder(s) concerned.
Disclaimer
The NZ Transport Agency has endeavoured to ensure
material in this document is technically accurate and reflects
legal requirements. However, the document does not
override governing legislation. The NZ Transport Agency
and its employees, agents and contractors involved in the
preparation and publication of this document do not accept
liability for any consequences arising from the use of this
document. Users of this document should apply and rely
upon their own skill and judgment, and should not rely on
the document’s contents in isolation from other sources of
advice and information. In applying their own skill and
judgment, the standards of safety and serviceability
explicitly required or implied by this document shall not be
reduced. If the user is unsure whether the material is correct,
they should make direct reference to the relevant legislation
or regulations and contact the NZ Transport Agency.
More information
Published May 2016
ISBN 978-0-478-44597-8 (Online)
If you have further queries, call our contact centre
on 0800 699 000 or write to us:
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
This document is available on the NZ Transport Agency’s
website at www.nzta.govt.nz
 Page i

Document management plan

1) Purpose
This management plan outlines the updating procedures and contact points for the document.
2) Document information

Document name Highway structures design guide

Document number -
Document availability This document is located in electronic form on the NZ Transport Agency’s website at
www.nzta.govt.nz.
Document owner National Structures Manager
Document sponsor National Manager Network Outcomes
Prepared by Beca Ltd, Auckland; and
Network Outcomes, NZ Transport Agency

3) Amendments and review strategy

All corrective action/improvement requests (CAIRs) suggesting changes will be acknowledged by the
document owner.

Comments Frequency
Amendments (minor Updates to be notified to users by publication of a technical advice note placed on the As required.
revisions) NZ Transport Agency’s website.
Review Periodic updates will be undertaken where amendments fundamentally changing the As required.
(major revisions) content or structure of the guide or new technology resulting from research or
ongoing refinement have been identified.
Notification All users that have registered their interest by email to hip.feedback@nzta.govt.nz will Immediately.
be advised by email of amendments and updates.

4) Distribution of this management plan

Copies of this document management plan are to be included in the NZ Transport Agency intranet.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page ii

Record of amendments

This document is subject to review and amendment from time to time. Amendments will be recorded in the table
below.
Changes since the previous amendment are indicated by a vertical line in the margin. The date of issue or
amendment of a page appears in the header on each page. This page will be updated each time a new
amendment is released.

Amendment Description of change Effective date Updated by

number
0 Highway structures design guide 1st edition published. May 2016 Nigel Lloyd

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page iii

Foreword

The NZ Transport Agency’s purpose is to deliver transport solutions for a thriving

New Zealand. We are specifically responsible for the following four functions:
• helping to plan land transport networks, bringing a national perspective
• providing access to and use of the land transport system
• managing the state highway network, and
• investing in land transport.
Structures are an important component of the land transport system. These
structures include not only the more obvious bridges, tunnels, subways and
culverts that convey vehicular traffic, cyclists and pedestrians but also:
• retaining walls, coastal and river protection works, earthworks and other
geotechnical structures that enable links to be built in New Zealand’s
challenging and diverse landscape
• stormwater systems, lighting columns and masts, noise walls and security
fences that are integral part of the highway network enabling it to function
both safely and with reduced adverse environmental impacts
• intelligent transport system (ITS) structures, signs, sign gantries and traffic
signals that provide traffic information to network users to enable them to
optimise their journey.
This Highway structures design guide is a new document. It brings together the
structural design information for all highway structures, providing cross references
to other publications and giving new design information where necessary. The
guide complements other longstanding design documents, including the agency’s
Bridge manual.
Structures technology remains an area of ongoing research and refinement. This
guide will be reviewed and amended in whole or in part from time to time.
Comments from practitioners are welcome.

Kevin Reid
National Manager Network Outcomes – Highways and Network Operations
NZ Transport Agency

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page iv

(This page is intentionally blank)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page v

Contents

1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Purpose and function 1
1.2 Scope 1
1.3 Precedence 3
1.4 Definitions 3
1.5 Categorisation of highway structures 3
1.6 Acknowledgements 4

2.0 Technical approval, review and certification procedures 4

3.0 Documentation requirements 5

3.1 Design documentation 5
3.2 Construction documentation 5
3.3 Handover documentation 7
3.4 Copyright and intellectual property 9

4.0 Building Act 2004 and Building code requirements 10

4.1 Building Act 2004 and Building code compliance of highway
structures 10
4.2 Building consent requirements for highway structures 11
4.3 Building Act 2004 requirements for alterations to highway
structures 13
4.4 Building Act 2004 requirements for earthquake-prone structures 13

5.0 Design requirements for new highway structures 14

5.1 General design requirements applicable to all structure types 14
5.2 Bridges 16
5.3 Non-typical bridges 16
5.4 Subways 17
5.5 Stock underpasses 18
5.6 Major culverts 21
5.7 Retaining walls 22
5.8 Coastal and river erosion protection works 22
5.9 Earthworks 24
5.10 Rockfall and slope debris control structures 24
5.11 Minor culverts 25
5.12 Stormwater systems 26
5.13 Signs and sign support structures 28
5.14 ITS equipment support structures 29
5.15 Lighting columns and masts 30
The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page vi

5.16 Traffic signal and speed camera poles 31

5.17 Road safety barriers 31
5.18 Noise barriers 32
5.19 Security and safety fences and barriers 33
5.20 Buildings 38
5.21 Road tunnels 38
5.22 Other structures 39

6.0 Requirements for alterations to existing highway structures 40

6.1 General 40
6.2 Design requirements 40

7.0 Evaluation of existing highway structures 41

7.1 Live load capacity 41
7.2 Risk evaluation 41

8.0 Design requirements for non-Transport Agency structures present in state

highway road reserve 42
8.1 Controls and processes 42
8.2 Design requirements 42
8.3 Structures or earthworks adjacent to the road reserve 43

9.0 References 44

Appendix A Technical approval, review and certification procedures A–1

A1 Introduction A–1
A2 Technical approval requirements A–1
A3 Requirements for project feasibility and detailed business case A–6
A4 Requirements for design and project documentation A–7
A5 Certification requirements A–10
A6 Category of structures A–12
A7 References A–14
Annex A1 Model technical approval documents A–15
Annex A2 Model certificates A–25

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 1

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose and function

This Highway structures design guide sets out the NZ Transport Agency’s (the Transport
Agency’s) design requirements for all permanent highway structures on the state
highway network. It also sets out the Transport Agency’s design requirements for
earthworks, including natural slopes, embankments and cuttings.
The primary function of the Highway structures design guide is:
• to define design requirements for highway structures on the state highway
network that are consistent with the NZ Transport Agency’s primary purpose of
promoting an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land
transport system.
Secondary functions are:
• To provide design guidelines for highway structures for use by other road
controlling authorities throughout the road transport network that are consistent
with the NZ Transport Agency’s primary purpose.
• To interpret Building Act 2004 requirements for the design of highway structures
and to set out the intended means of compliance of highway structures with the
Building code(1).
• To provide the NZ Transport Agency’s design requirements for structures that
are not Transport Agency owned, but are present within the state highway road
reserve.
The relationship of the Highway structures design guide to other documents within the
NZ Transport Agency structures document hierarchy is illustrated in figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: NZ Transport Agency structures document hierarchy

1.2 Scope

The scope of the Highway structures design guide is as follows:

• design and construction process requirements, including requirements for
structure options reports, structure design statements and technical approval, for
design and construction review and for certification
• design, construction and handover documentation requirements

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 2

1.2 continued • a summary of Building Act 2004 requirements for the design of highway
structures, including Building code(1) and building consent requirements
• design requirements for new structures including design philosophy, non-
structural requirements, structural design requirements and Building code(1)
compliance requirements
• design requirements for alterations to existing structures
• requirements for evaluation of existing structures.
The Highway structures design guide provides comprehensive design requirements for the
following types of road structure (including their foundations, where applicable):
• bridges carrying road and/or pedestrian/cyclist traffic, in which the main
supporting members are of reinforced or prestressed concrete, structural steel,
timber or aluminium utilising beam or arch action, and spanning up to 100m
• pedestrian and cyclist subways
• stock underpasses
• all culverts or multiple culverts with a total waterway area equal to or exceeding
3.4m² (major culverts)
• culverts with waterway area less than 3.4m² (minor culverts)
• retaining wall systems including gravity walls, cantilever walls, mechanically
stabilised earth walls and anchored walls
• sign support structures (including those for large and overhead signs)
• intelligent transport system (ITS) equipment support structures
• lighting columns and masts
• traffic signal and speed camera poles
• roadside barriers
• noise barriers
• security and safety fences and barriers
• piped stormwater system elements
• earthworks (natural slopes, embankments and cuttings), whether associated with
or separate from significant structures.
The Highway structures design guide provides partial design requirements for the
following road structure types (remaining requirements will need to be agreed with the
Transport Agency, or other road controlling authority as appropriate, on a project or
structure specific basis):
• bridges constructed of materials other than those listed above and/or having
spans greater than 100m
• suspension or cable-stayed bridges
• coastal and river protection works
• buildings
• tunnels
• other structures.
The Highway structures design guide also provides the Transport Agency’s design
requirements for structures that are not Transport Agency owned, but are present
within the state highway road reserve.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 3

1.3 Precedence

The Transport Agency’s specific requirements for a particular project will be stated in
the contract documents for that project. Where the stated requirements conflict with
those of this guide, the project specific requirements shall take precedence.

1.4 Definitions

Term Definition
Structure A body or assemblage of bodies in space to form a system capable of supporting loads.
A construction or framework of identifiable elements which give form and stability.
Highway structure Any structure owned by the Transport Agency, within the state highway road reserve
shall be considered to be a highway structure. Also referred to as a road structure.
Structural design Designing for strength and stability, and also for serviceability and durability. By
definition, a structure requires structural design. (Note that the design of other roading
asset elements including earthworks and road pavements also includes aspects of
structural design.)
Structural As used in structural design. Pertaining to structural behaviour.
Design requirements All of the requirements that apply to the design of a structure, many of which derive
for structures from its function. They include, but are not limited to, the structural design
requirements. Some ‘design’ requirements are in fact construction requirements, but
because they are communicated via the construction documentation prepared during
design they can be regarded as design requirements.

1.5 Categorisation of highway structures

The Transport Agency categorises highway structures for various purposes.

This Highway structures design guide applies to all highway structures. The Technical
approval, review and certification procedures set out in section 2 categorise highway
structures for the purpose of the procedures.
For inspection purposes, NZTA S6 Bridges and other significant highway structures
inspection policy(2) categorises highway structures as ‘bridges’, meaning structures which
directly support state highway traffic, and ‘other significant highway structures’, being
other highway structures considered to be significant enough to warrant inspection
under NZTA S6(2). By omission, NZTA S6(2) creates a third category of minor structures
to which NZTA S6(2) does not apply, and for which inspection requirements are covered
separately.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 4

1.6 Acknowledgements

The significant assistance provided by Beca Limited in the preparation of this manual is
acknowledged.
The assistance provided by Opus International Consultants Limited, the Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment and suppliers in the review of this manual is
acknowledged.

2.0 Technical approval, review and certification

procedures

The design and construction of highway structures and earthworks is required by the
NZ Transport Agency to comply with specific technical approval, review and
certification procedures.
Technical approval procedures consist of the preparation of structure options reports
and structure design statements that are submitted to the Transport Agency at distinct
stages in the project cycle, and acceptance of these documents by the Transport
Agency. It is intended that technical approval is complete before detailed design is
commenced.
Review procedures consist of the review of designs and construction by design
reviewers and construction reviewers respectively.
Certification procedures require the certification of designs, design reviews, construction
and construction review by those responsible.
For the purpose of these procedures, structures and earthworks are categorised
according to their level of complexity. Technical approval and review requirements vary
with category.
The procedures are independent of those required to demonstrate compliance with the
Building code(1), which are described in section 4. It is anticipated, however, that the
procedures and associated documents required by the Transport Agency will assist in
demonstrating Building code(1) compliance.
Detailed requirements for technical approval, review and certification of highway
structures and earthworks are set out in appendix A.
Note that the technical approval, review and certification procedures detailed in this
Highways structures design guide were previously contained in appendix F of the
Transport Agency’s Bridge manual 3rd edition(3) and prior to that section 1 of the Bridge
manual 2nd edition(4).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 5

3.0 Documentation requirements

3.1 Design documentation

3.1.1 Preliminary Preliminary structure options reports, structure options reports and structure design
structure options statements are required for many structures and earthworks as part of the technical
reports, structure approval process (see section 2 and appendix A). Requirements for these documents
options reports and are given in appendix A.
structure design
The delivery of these documents shall comply with the specific project requirements.
statements
Where the contract documentation for a project requires a project preliminary design
philosophy statement, design philosophy statement and/or design report, the
corresponding preliminary structure options report, structure options report or structure
design statement shall be appended and need not be duplicated within the project
document.
During final design, should the design deviate significantly from the form or nature of the
structure or the design standards or procedure set out in the design statement, a revised
design statement shall be submitted for acceptance by the Transport Agency.
For highway structures and earthworks for which the technical approval procedures
outlined in section 2 and appendix A do not require a technical approval document to be
submitted, the project design philosophy statement or design report need not address
the structure or earthworks other than confirming that the requirements of this Highway
structures design guide will be met or stating any proposed departures from the
requirements of this guide.

3.1.2 Design At the completion of design, the design calculations and all associated design
calculations information shall be compiled in a well organised and indexed format. All information
shall be recorded in a secure and readily accessible system and retained in that system
for at least 10 years.

3.1.3 Resource Copies of resource consents, building consents, relevant third party correspondence and
consents, building other relevant correspondence shall be provided to the Transport Agency when received
consents and third and with the project handover documentation (see 3.3).
party correspondence

3.1.4 Design and Requirements for design and design review certificates are given in appendix A.
design review
Copies of these certificates shall be provided to the Transport Agency when the
certificates
certification takes place and also with the project handover documentation (see 3.3).

3.2 Construction documentation

3.2.1 Construction Construction drawings shall be prepared in accordance with the following requirements:
drawings
• drawings for structures shall be prepared in accordance with AS/NZS 1100.501
Technical drawing – Structural engineering drawing(5)
• drawings for all structures shall state the key standards adopted for the design of
the structure

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 6

3.2.1 continued • the drawing set for a significant structure shall include a list of all drawings
applicable to the structure
• drawings shall incorporate accepted draughting practice and shall be completed
in accordance with the appropriate design standards to an appropriate scale
• drawing sheets shall be logically sequenced and cross-referenced
• individual drawing details of similar elements shall be used in preference to the
use of tables and notes, particularly for reinforcing details.

3.2.2 Construction Construction specifications shall:

specifications • reference all relevant Transport Agency specifications and other appropriate
standards with modifications as agreed with the Transport Agency
• ensure the contractor is responsible for the development, implementation and
management of a quality plan in accordance with the specified Transport Agency
quality specification
• specify the standards to be met by all materials used to construct the works and
the construction methods and standard of workmanship required, together with
all testing and inspection and records of the same required to demonstrate that
the structure has been constructed in accordance with the drawings and
specifications
• include construction requirements that are contained within the Transport
Agency’s design requirements documents (such as the Bridge manual(3)), as listed
in this guide, unless agreed otherwise with the Transport Agency
• address any construction requirements (see below) not incorporated in the
construction drawings.

3.2.3 Construction a. General

requirements to be
Construction requirements for structures in this context are those requirements or
incorporated into
constraints that apply to the construction process that are additional to the
drawings or
requirement to complete the structure in accordance with the drawings and
specifications
specifications. Note that sometimes construction requirements become design
requirements, and if so they should be identified in the design statement.
b. Strength and stability during construction
Structures are required to comply with clause B1 of the Building code(1) during
construction or alteration as well as when complete. Designers shall clearly convey
to the constructor via the drawings and specifications the assumptions made with
regard to construction sequence and methodology and the temporary works required
to ensure adequate strength and stability during construction. Responsibilities for
strength and stability at all stages during construction shall be clearly outlined.
c. Temporary works requirements
Where construction will involve significant temporary works (including significant
excavations), the construction specifications shall clearly set out the requirements
for design, checking and certification of the temporary works.
d. Continuity of service requirements
Often existing structures will be required to remain in full or partial service during
construction of a new structure.
Where continuity of service requirements will affect the form and nature of the
structural solution, these shall be noted in the design statement for the structure.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 7

3.2.3 continued Any continuity of service requirements shall be conveyed to the constructor via the
construction drawings and specifications.
e. Requirements arising from statutory and other agreements
Requirements arising from statutory and other agreements, including consents
granted under the Resource Management Act 1991, property agreements, landowner
agreements and stakeholder agreements that apply during construction may affect
construction methodologies. Any applicable requirements shall be noted in the
design statement, and conveyed in the construction specifications.
f. Requirements arising from historic heritage impact assessments
Requirements arising from historic heritage impact assessments may affect
construction methodologies. Any applicable requirements shall be noted in the
design statement, and conveyed in the construction specifications.

3.3 Handover documentation

3.3.1 Required For all structures, relevant consents and certificates shall be provided at project
handover handover, including:
documentation
• building consents and code compliance certificates (where applicable)
• design, design review, construction and construction review certificates required
by section 2 and appendix A.
For minor structures, the asset owner information required by Transport Agency
minimum standard Z/15 – Asset owner’s manual(6) and professional services guideline
PSG/15 – Asset owner’s manual(7) shall be provided at project handover. This includes:
• as-built construction drawings
• design details of any proprietary structures or systems provided
• maintenance requirements
• resource consents and conditions.
For ‘bridges’ and ‘other significant highway structures’ as defined in NZTA S6(2), the
following information shall be provided at project handover (note this incorporates the
requirements of Z/15(6) and PSG/15(7)):
• bridge structural input forms (applies to ‘bridges’ only)
• descriptive input forms
• significant structure asset management information
• design statements (where required by section 2 and appendix A)
• significant structure supplementary as-built records.
Delivery of handover documentation (ie timing) shall comply with project-specific
requirements.

3.3.2 As-built As-built drawings shall consist of the construction drawings, updated to reflect all
drawings significant as-built variations, including defects and their rectification.
As-built drawings shall be prepared in accordance with the Transport Agency’s
professional services guideline PSG/9 – Delivery of as-built documentation(8), and certified
as being a correct record by the contactor and construction reviewer.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 8

3.3.3 Bridge data Structural and descriptive input forms shall be completed in accordance with the
system input forms NZ Transport Agency bridge data system (BDS) user guides(9), and certified by the designer
as being correct.

3.3.4 Significant Significant structure asset management information shall be provided for all ‘bridges’
structure asset and ‘other significant highway structures' as defined in NZTA S6(2). It shall include all
management information necessary for routine management of the structure, including:
information
• brief description of the structure, including high-level design standards
• inspection requirements
• detailed maintenance requirements
• access provisions
• details of proprietary systems such as bridge bearings and expansion joints
• proposals for replacement of replaceable items
• specific on-going management issues
• third party correspondence and other correspondence relevant to the on-going
management of the structure
• copies of relevant resource consents
• ongoing resource consent requirements including monitoring and other
compliance requirements.
Significant structure asset management information shall be provided on a structure by
structure basis to facilitate separation for structures management purposes. Where the
information is provided as part of a project asset owner’s manual, it shall be in the form
of appendices to a high level document. It shall be approved for issue by the construction
reviewer.

3.3.5 Design Any structure design statement provided for a ‘bridge’ or ‘other significant highway
statement structure’ during the design phase shall be reviewed at the completion of construction to
confirm that it accurately reflects the completed structure, updated if necessary,
approved by the designer and provided as part of the project handover documentation.

3.3.6 Significant The purpose of significant structure supplementary as-built records is to provide a
structure record that can be used by the Transport Agency in the future, in conjunction with the
supplementary as- as-built drawings, significant structure asset management information and design
built records statement, to reassess capacity, investigate defects, design modifications and/or
retro-fits and carry out demolition.
The records shall include the following:
• methods of construction (where it impacts on completed works and is not
detailed on as-built drawings)
• materials used – eg mix designs and material specifications
• material and other test results, as compiled summaries or actual test certificates,
depending on the importance/relevance of the information
• construction records – eg pile installation records, post-tensioning records,
grouting records, concrete pour records; may be in the form of summarised
records, otherwise actual records shall be included
• as-built data – where not on as-built drawings or other handover records
• project specifications where they contain relevant information not shown on as-
built drawings or in the above

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 9

3.3.6 continued • details of significant defects and resulting remedial actions where not completely
described on the as-built drawings
• any specific requirements to be considered during demolition of the structure.
The records for each structure shall be separate and where applicable shall be an
appendix to the project construction report, to facilitate later separation for structures
management purposes. They shall be approved for issue by the constructor and
construction reviewer.
Significant structure supplementary as-built records shall be provided on a structure by
structure basis to facilitate separation for structures management purposes. Where the
information is provided as part of a project construction report, it shall be in the form of
appendices to a high level document. The information shall be approved for issue by the
construction reviewer.

3.4 Copyright and intellectual property

In general terms, the ownership of intellectual property of designs as defined in the

Transport Agency’s manuals SM030 State highway professional services contract proforma
manual(10) and SM031 State highway construction contract proforma manual(11) (for design
and construct and early contractor involvement procurement models) follows these
principles:
i. All new intellectual property is jointly owned by the client and the consultant (or
contractor) other than as detailed in item (iv). The two parties grant to each other
an unrestricted license to copy or use such new intellectual property and each
party is free to make whatever use they wish of the new intellectual property.
ii. All pre-existing intellectual property remains the property of the original owner.
The two parties grant to the other license to use the relevant pre-existing
intellectual property for the purpose of undertaking the works.
iii. The consultant (or contractor) confirms that in using the intellectual property
(new or pre-existing) and in undertaking the works they will not infringe any
intellectual property or other rights of any third party.
iv. The ownership of data and factual information collected by the consultant (or
contractor) and paid for by the client will, after payment by the client, lie with the
client.
Note that the requirements of the SM032 State highway maintenance contract proforma
manual(12) Networks outcomes contract are different in that all new intellectual property
that is developed, commissioned or created under or in connection with the contract will
be owned by the client, unless they are not predominantly for or connected to the
performance of the works but have general industry application.
Note that particular intellectual property requirements for any project will be explicitly
defined in the contract procurement documentation.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 10

4.0 Building Act 2004 and Building code requirements

4.1 Building Act 2004 and Building code compliance of highway
structures

Most, if not all, highway structures are buildings in terms of the Building Act 2004, and
for the purpose of this Highway structures design guide it is assumed that all highway
structures are buildings in terms of the Act.
(For a full definition of the meaning of building see sections 8 and 9 of the Act. In brief, a
building is a “temporary or permanent movable or immovable structure, (including a
structure intended for occupation by people, animals, machinery or chattels)”. From
various references throughout the Act and the Building code(1) it is clear that minor
structures such as fences, walls, poles, paths, tanks and culverts are considered to be
buildings. The Building code(1) classifies buildings under seven categories. The ‘ancillary’
category applies to a “building or use not for human habitation and which may be
exempted from some amenity provisions, but which are required to comply with
structural and safety-related aspects of the building code”. Examples given include
bridges, fences, jetties, masts, paths, platforms, pylons, retaining walls, tanks, tunnels
and dams. It is concluded that highway structures are ‘ancillary buildings’.)
All building work (includes work for, or in connection with, the construction, alteration,
demolition or removal of a building) is required by the Act to comply with the Building
code(1). (Construct in this context includes to design, build, erect, prefabricate and
relocate a building.) Building code(1) compliance is thus a requirement for the
construction or alteration of all highway structures that are buildings, and has been
assumed in this guide to be a requirement for all highway structures.
Building code(1) clauses B1 Structure and B2 Durability apply to all buildings and contain
the primary structural requirements of the Building code(1).
Many Building code(1) clauses are clearly intended to apply to buildings in the normal
sense and are not applicable to highway structures. However clause F4 Safety from
falling applies to some highway structures, and clause E1 Surface water and clauses C1 to
C6 Protection from fire may apply in some cases. Clause D1 Access routes is considered
to be not applicable to highway structures (it covers the movement of people into, within
and out of buildings and functional requirement D1.2.1 is clearly stated as not being
applicable to ancillary buildings). However the Compliance document for New Zealand
building code clause D1 Access routes(13) or parts thereof may sometimes be used to define
additional requirements for a road structure, in particular approaches to footbridges and
subways.
Compliance with Building code(1) clauses can be achieved via the MBIE (Ministry of
Business, Innovation and Employment) acceptable solutions and verification methods, or
via alternative solutions (see section 3.0 of the New Zealand building code handbook(14)).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 11

4.1 continued The MBIE acceptable solutions and verification methods set out accepted means of
compliance with the Building code(1) clauses. As an example, one accepted means of
compliance with clause B1 Structure described in the Acceptable solutions and verification
methods for New Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15) is New Zealand building code
verification method B1/VM1(15), consisting of the use of various standards including the
AS/NZS 1170 Structural design actions series(16), NZS 3101.1&2 Concrete structures
standard(17),NZS 3404 Steel structures standard(18), NZS 3603 Timber structures standard(19)
and AS/NZS 1664.1 Aluminium structures(20) together with some modifications deemed
necessary by MBIE. A design which complies with the acceptable solutions and
verification methods is deemed to be code compliant.
An alternative solution is a means of compliance with the performance requirements of
the Building code(1) that differs from those offered by the acceptable solutions and
verification methods. An alternative solution must achieve compliance “to the
satisfaction of the building consent authority”. The Bridge manual(3) is intended to be an
alternative solution for Building code(1) clauses B1 and B2 for the structure types covered
by the Bridge manual(3).
This Highway structures design guides states the intended means of Building code(1)
compliance for each structures type, for the Building code(1) clauses that are normally
applicable to highway structures.

4.2 Building consent requirements for highway structures

Building work for some, but not all, highway structures that are buildings will require
building consents (note that compliance with the Building code(1) is required irrespective
of whether a building consent is required). Sections 41 and 42A and Schedule 1 of the
Building Act 2004 (Schedule 1) list building work exempt from requiring a building
consent.
Table 4.1 sets out current understanding of which highway structures require building
consents for ‘building work’, together with the basis for exemption, where applicable.
Exemptions noted refer to Schedule 1.
Note that repairs and maintenance for all buildings are generally exempt under
exemption 1 of Schedule 1. Replacement of components and assemblies is also generally
exempt, but not complete or substantial replacement of any component or assembly
contributing to the building’s structural behaviour.
Design Statements shall note whether a building consent is considered to be required.
Work that requires a building consent should subsequently receive a code compliance
certificate. Work that does not require a building consent will not receive a code
compliance certificate.
Included in the Schedule 1 exemptions is exemption 2, which allows a territorial or
regional authority to exempt building work from the requirement to obtain a building
consent if the authority considers that a consent “is not necessary for the purposes of
the Act”, because either the work is “likely to comply with the building code” or “if the
completed work does not comply with the building code, it is unlikely to endanger people
or any building”. The Transport Agency project manager and the designer should
consider whether the work in question may qualify for exemption 2, and if so, discuss
this with the consenting authority.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 12

Table 4.1: Current understanding of building consent requirements

Structure type Current understanding of building consent requirements
Bridges for road traffic, pedestrians Required - except where it is not possible for a person to fall more than 1.5m even if the bridge
and cyclists (also decks, platforms collapses (exemption 24).
and boardwalks etc)
Pedestrian/cyclist subways or stock Required
underpasses
Culverts Most ‘major culverts’ (waterway area greater than or equal to 3.4 m²) will require a building consent. It
should be assumed a consent is required unless agreed otherwise with the Transport Agency.
Most ‘minor culverts’ (waterway area less than 3.4 m²) will not require a building consent (exempt
under exemption 29 – simple structure owned or controlled by a NUO or other similar organisation).
Note that sometimes the headwalls and wingwalls associated with a culvert may require a building
consent (see requirements for retaining walls above).
Retaining walls (including seawalls) Required - except where wall retains not more than 1.5m and does not support any surcharge
(exemption 20), or where wall is in a rural zone, retains not more than 3.0m, is more than its own
height from boundary or building and is designed or reviewed by a chartered professional engineer
(exemption 41).
Earthworks Not required
Rockfall and debris control Required
structures
Piped stormwater system elements Exempt under exemption 29 – simple structure owned or controlled by a NUO or other similar
(pipes, manholes, chambers) organisation.
Signs and sign supports Exempt under exemption 25 if the sign surface area does not exceed 6 m² and the sign does not exceed
3m in height above the supporting ground level or exemption 39 if the sign has been designed or
reviewed by a chartered professional engineer.
Otherwise required.
Height restriction gantries Exempt under exemption 26
Lighting supports (all heights) Exempt under exemption 29 – simple structure owned or controlled by a NUO or other similar
organisation.
Masts for traffic signals, speed Exempt under exemption 29 – simple structure owned or controlled by a NUO or other similar
cameras, CCTV etc organisation.
Roadside or median traffic barriers Exempt under exemption 29 – simple structure owned or controlled by a NUO or other similar
organisation.
Walls (free-standing) – including Required
noise barriers
Fences and hoardings Exempt (exemption 21) if height does not exceed 2.5m above the supporting ground.
Otherwise required.
Buildings Required
Road tunnels Required
Other As given by Schedule 1

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 13

4.3 Building Act 2004 requirements for alterations to highway

structures

Section 112 of the Building Act 2004 requires that a building consent must not be
granted for an alteration (includes rebuilding, repair, enlargement and extension) of an
existing building (or part of a building) unless the consent authority is satisfied that after
the alteration, the building will:
a. comply as nearly as is reasonably practicable with Building code(1) provisions that
relate to means of escape from fire and access and facilities for persons with
disabilities; and
b. either:
i. if it complied with the other provisions of the Building code(1), it will continue to
comply with those provisions; or
ii. if it did not comply with the other provisions of the Building code(1), it will continue
to comply to at least the same extent as before the alteration.
For most highway structures, only (b) above will be relevant. This means that a road
structure can be extended or upgraded without triggering a requirement for the existing
structure to be upgraded to new structure standards. (A common interpretation is that
the new portion of an extended structure is required to meet new structure standards).

4.4 Building Act 2004 requirements for earthquake-prone structures

Section 122 of the Building Act 2004 states that a building is earthquake-prone for the
purpose of the Act if, having regard to its condition and the ground on which it is built,
and because of its construction, the building:
a. will have its ultimate capacity exceeded in a moderate earthquake (defined in
regulations as an earthquake that would generate shaking at the site that is of the
same duration, but one-third as strong as the shaking that would be used to design a
new building at that site); and
b. would be likely to collapse causing injury or death to persons in the building or to
persons on any other property, or damage to any other property.
Territorial authorities have powers under Section 124 of the Act, if satisfied that a
building is earthquake-prone, to prevent people from approaching the building and
require work to be carried out to reduce or remove the danger.
The Act does not explicitly state requirements that apply if a building that is to be
altered proves to be earthquake prone – for example, whether earthquake strengthening
can be required as a condition of a building consent, and if so, to what standard. It is
understood that a common interpretation is that earthquake strengthening is not
automatically triggered by alteration, even if the building is earthquake prone.
Note that at the time of writing of this Highway structures design guide, the Building
(Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill is before parliament seeking to amend the
Building Act 2004 with reference to earthquake-prone buildings. It is proposed in the Bill
that a new section 133AA is to be added to clause 23 of the Building Act 2004 to exclude
various structures from the earthquake prone provisions of the Act, including bridges,
tunnels, retaining walls that are not integral to the structure of a building and fences.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 14

5.0 Design requirements for new highway structures

5.1 General design requirements applicable to all structure types

5.1.1 Urban design The Transport Agency’s policy and guidance for urban and landscape design for highway
and landscape projects are set out in the following documents:
requirements
• Bridging the gap: Urban design guidelines(21)
• Landscape guidelines(22)
These documents describe the urban and landscape design process to be followed for
highway projects, including the development of urban and landscape design frameworks
for urban projects and large or complex projects. They also provide specific guidance on
the urban and landscape design associated with many types of highway structure.
The design of highway structures shall be integrated with the urban and landscape
design of the project, and shall be informed by the specific guidance provided in the
above documents.
For some types of structures, further requirements are described in the following sub-
sections of this document and the documents referenced therein. For bridges, urban
design requirements including process requirements are set out in the Bridge manual(3).

5.1.2 Heritage An assessment of the need for specific heritage, cultural and archaeological
requirements considerations shall be undertaken as part of any project planning. Guidance is provided
in the Transport Agency‘s Historic heritage impact assessment guide for state highway
projects(23).
Avoiding or minimising the loss of cultural and historic heritage may influence the design
and construction of highway structures.

5.1.3 Requirements Design and construction requirements for highway structures may arise from statutory
arising from and other agreements, including consents, property agreements, landowner agreements
statutory and other and stakeholder agreements.
agreements
Such requirements shall be included in the design statement for the structure, where
applicable.

5.1.4 Safety in The Transport Agency’s ZH/MS/01 Safety in design minimum standard for road projects(24)
design shall be adopted for the safety in design processes to be utilised on state highway
projects. The processes may result in additional or modified design requirements for
highway structures.

5.1.5 Inspection and For all types of highway structure, consideration shall be given during the design process
maintenance to safe access to the structure for inspection and maintenance. The intended access
requirements shall be described in the structure design statement, where applicable. Refer also to
section 2.1.9 of the Bridge manual(3).
Additionally, consideration shall be given to how structures affect access for
maintenance of other components of the highway asset, including landscaping.

5.1.6 Requirements Some components of highway structures may be designed by the supplier. Some
for supplier design examples are bridge bearings and expansion joints, precast concrete pipes and
components rectangular culvert units and lighting poles.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 15

5.1.6 continued The design requirements for supplier designed components shall be clearly described by
the primary designer in the project drawings and specification. It shall be the
responsibility of the primary designer to ensure that the design requirements are
consistent with the overall project and structure design requirements, to clearly
demarcate the design responsibilities and describe the design interfaces and to ensure
that the technical approval and certification procedures of section 2 are fulfilled.

5.1.7 Anti-graffiti The requirements for anti-graffiti finish set out in clause 4.12.9 of the Bridge manual(3)
measures shall apply to all highway structures except those listed below:
• stock underpasses
• culvert interiors
• fences constructed of mesh
Other graffiti deterrence or prevention measures should also be considered. These
include design of structures to prevent unauthorised access, using planting to shield
structures and the use of textured surfaces.

5.1.8 Asset Requirements for asset identification signs are set out in SM051 Location referencing
identification signs management system (LRMS) manual(25).
Bridges, major culverts, tunnels, stock underpasses and subways are to be given bridge
structure number (BSN) signs.
Minor culverts shall be provided with culvert markers.

5.1.9 Design The NZ Transport Agency’s primary purpose of promoting an affordable, integrated,
requirements for safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system applies to all of the Transport
structures during Agency’s activities including construction.
construction
Structures are required to comply with Clause B1 of the Building code(1) (see previous
section) during construction or alteration as well as when complete.
For all structures, consideration shall be given by the designer to the strength and
stability of the incomplete structure at various stages during construction and the design
events to be considered during construction.
As a minimum, the requirements of AS/NZS 1170.0(16) to design for wind and earthquake
loads with an annual probability of exceedance (APOE) of 1/100 shall apply, together
with design for construction live loads and the loads imposed by construction
equipment.
Where construction is to take place adjacent to or over areas accessible by the public,
such as operating carriageways, or adjacent to other property, design for lower APOE
(higher return periods) may be appropriate.
Additional requirements for specific structure types may be stated in the documents
referred to in the following sub-sections.
The structure design statement, where required, shall propose the standards to apply
during construction, and whether the resulting loads are to be resisted by the incomplete
structure, or by temporary works, or both.
Designers shall clearly convey to the constructor via the drawings and specifications the
assumptions made with regard to construction sequence and methodology and the
temporary works required to ensure adequate strength and stability during construction.
Responsibilities for strength and stability at all stages during construction shall be clearly
outlined.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 16

5.2 Bridges

This section covers bridges carrying road and/or pedestrian/cyclist traffic, in which the
main supporting members are of reinforced or prestressed concrete, structural steel,
timber or aluminium utilising beam or arch action, and spanning up to 100m. It also
covers associated retaining structures and safety barrier systems.

5.2.1 Design These are set out in section 2 of the Bridge manual(3).
philosophy and non-
structural design
requirements

5.2.2 Structural These are set out in the Bridge manual(3).

design requirements

5.2.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause F4 Safety from falling – via MBIE acceptable solutions and verification
methods and/or the Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution. (The Bridge
manual(3) contains requirements for barriers for footpaths and cycleways that
refer to New Zealand building code acceptable solution F4/AS1(26). For situations
where people may be occasionally be present the Bridge manual(3) presents some
alternative solutions, and thus is an alternative solution).
Where compliance with other Building code(1) clauses is judged to be necessary, this shall
be stated in the structure design statement and a means of compliance proposed.

5.3 Non-typical bridges

This section provides partial design requirements for road and/or pedestrian/cyclist
bridges in which the main supporting members are of materials other than reinforced or
prestressed concrete, structural steel, timber or aluminium, and/or utilise other than
beam or arch action, and/or span more than 100m.
Remaining requirements will need to be agreed with the Transport Agency on a project
or structure specific basis.

5.3.1 Design These are as for typical bridges and are set out in section 2 of the Bridge manual(3).
philosophy and non-
structural design
requirements

5.3.2 Structural Structural design requirements shall be stated in the structure design statement and
design requirements agreed with the Transport Agency. To the extent appropriate, the requirements shall
follow those contained in the Bridge manual(3).

5.3.3 Building code The proposed means of compliance with clauses B1, B2 and F4 and other Building code(1)
compliance clauses as judged to be necessary shall be stated in the structure design statement for
agreement with the Transport Agency.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 17

5.4 Subways

This section covers subways for pedestrians and cyclists and associated ramps,
headwalls and wingwalls. It does not cover requirements for subways for equestrians
and for operations and maintenance personnel; requirements for these structure types
shall be agreed with the Transport Agency, noting that many of the requirements can be
expected to be similar to those set out below.

5.4.1 Design Design philosophy (including design working life and importance level) shall be as given
philosophy and non- in section 2.1 of the Bridge manual(3) for a bridge on the same route.
structural design
The design of subways for pedestrians and cyclists shall follow the guidance given in:
requirements
• the Transport Agency’s Bridging the gap: Urban Design Guidelines(21)
• the Austroads Guide to road design part 6A Pedestrian and cyclist paths(27).
The former shall take precedence where a conflict exists.
a. Design for use by people with disabilities
Subways should normally be designed to be suitable for use by people with
disabilities. The requirements of the New Zealand building code acceptable solution
D1/AS1(13) shall apply to gradients, landings, surface finish and handrails for both
ramps and nominally level sections. Exceptions should be specifically agreed with the
Transport Agency. Where stairs are to be provided in addition to access suitable for
use by people with disabilities, the requirements for common stairs contained in New
Zealand building code acceptable solution D1/AS1(13) shall apply.
b. Cover and backfill material
Subways shall desirably be provided with a minimum cover of 600mm. In cases
where this results in unacceptable approach geometry and extent, the cover may be
reduced, with specific provision made for services and measures to reduce pavement
cracking and settlement at the road/structure interface including the provision of
settlement slabs unless they can be demonstrated to not be necessary.
Where the cover is 1.5m or less, subbase material (as per TNZ M/3 Subbase
aggregate(28) or similar approved) should be used as backfill above the subway up to
pavement subgrade level. In situations where the cover is greater than 1.5m bulk fill
may be used as backfill material provided it meets the requirements as outlined in
TNZ F/1 Specification for earthworks construction(29).
c. Length and safety barriers
The length of a subway as a minimum shall allow for the full width of the traffic lanes
and shoulders required for a road carrying the expected AADT 30 years ahead unless
otherwise agreed by the Transport Agency, plus the road safety barriers required to
protect road users from the hazard presented by the subway approaches. Where
mowable batters are present, provision should be made where practicable for 3.0m
wide off-carriageway access for maintenance vehicles. Where the presence of the
subway results in the need for barriers that would not otherwise be present,
consideration should be given to the possibility of extending the subway to run from
boundary to boundary of the state highway to minimise the resulting hazard.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 18

5.4.1 continued Safety barriers must be provided to protect road users from any hazards created as a
result of the subway and associated works (ie drop-offs created by the subway
approaches) in accordance with the requirements of the Austroads Guide to road
design part 6 Roadside design, safety and barriers(30). Any safety barriers provided
are to be in accordance with NZTA M23 Specification for road safety barrier systems(31)
(or the Bridge manual(3) as appropriate) and must consider the effect on required road
sight distances. Bridge hazard markers are to be installed either side of the subway in
accordance with the Manual of traffic signs and markings part 2 Markings section 5
Delineation and hazard markers(32).
For security and safety fencing on headwalls and wingwalls, refer to 5.19.
d. Drainage and watertightness
Subways shall be watertight as required to suit any internal finishes to be applied and
to the extent that no running water, dripping or weeping of water, beading of water or
significant visible damp patches are apparent on the roof, walls and floor.
Drainage and suitable falls shall be provided so that no ponding of water can occur
on the subway floor. Drainage shall be by gravity if at all possible. The design and
detailing of the drainage system including pipes, sumps and pumps if required, shall
be such as to facilitate easy inspection and maintenance.

5.4.2 Structural Structural design requirements for both the subway and associated earth retaining
design requirements structures and ramps are as set out in the Bridge manual(3).

5.4.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
Where compliance with other Building code(1) clauses is judged to be necessary, this shall
be stated in the structure design statement and a means of compliance proposed.

5.5 Stock underpasses

This section covers stock underpasses.

Reference should be made to the templates for stock underpass construction
agreements and stock underpass use agreements contained within the State highway
control manual(33).

5.5.1 Design This section provides guidance on requirements in key areas.

philosophy and non-
a. Design life and importance level
structural design
requirements The design working life of the stock underpass structure and associated structures
within the road reserve (including retaining structures for approach ramps) shall be
in accordance with the Bridge manual(3) – ie 100 years.
The importance level of the stock underpass and associated walls shall be as
specified for bridges in table 2.1 of the Bridge manual(3).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 19

5.5.1 continued b. Location

The stock underpass is to be located at least 20m from any road intersection or
pedestrian crossing point. The 20m shall be measured from the side road tangent
point on the state highway to the closest point of the underpass structure within the
road reserve. A minimum separation of 50m should be achieved from any existing
structures (such as bridges and culverts).
Consideration should be given to seasonal ground water levels in the area and
locations with high groundwater with no gravity outfall should be avoided. Locations
at the bottom of hills and gullies where the stock underpass may be required to act
as a stormwater culvert should be avoided.
In the event site constraints result in the above requirements not being met the
Transport Agency will consider specific locations on a case by case basis.
c. Alignment
Any new stock underpasses are to be aligned as close as practicable to 90° to the
centreline of the highway and may not be installed at an angle less than 45°.
d. Cover
Cover of at least 600mm from the top of the underpass structure to the finished road
level at all points along the stock underpass is recommended. Additional cover shall
be provided where necessary to accommodate existing utility services, future
services where there is a policy or agreement to do so and existing or planned
longitudinal stormwater drainage.
Reduced cover may be considered where the existing road is made up of a rigid
pavement or site constraints restrict the depth at which the stock underpass can be
installed.
Where the specified cover is less than 600mm the designer must provide an
alternative pavement design and measures to reduce pavement cracking and
settlement at the road/structure interface including the provision of settlement slabs
unless they can be demonstrated to not be necessary.
e. Backfill material
Where the cover is 1.5m or less subbase material (as per TNZ M/3(28) or similar
approved) should be used as backfill above the stock underpass up to pavement
subgrade level. In situations where the cover is greater than 1.5m bulk fill may be
used as backfill material provided it meets the requirements as outlined in TNZ
F/1(29).
f. Grade
The stock underpass is to be installed at a longitudinal grade of at least 0.25% to
prevent stormwater and effluent ponding within the structure. If the proposed grade
is greater than 10% the designer must provide adequate mitigation against
movement of the overlying fill material in the down-slope direction along the length
of the underpass structure. However it should be noted a longitudinal grade this
steep is unlikely to be suitable for use by stock and vehicles.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 20

5.5.1 continued g. Length

The minimum length of a stock underpass installed under a state highway is 17m.
The length provided must allow for the proposed road carriageway (traffic lanes and
shoulders), footpaths, cycle paths and equestrian paths where present, 3.0m off-
road maintenance access beyond the edge of seal on both sides of the road and road
safety barriers where required. Consideration shall be given to extending the stock
underpass to run from boundary to boundary of the state highway to maximise safety
performance, noting that this may avoid the need for barriers.
h. Drainage
Drainage sufficient to drain the stock underpass shall be provided to prevent creating
a water hazard within or adjacent to the road reserve. Consideration should be given
to treatment requirements of any stormwater discharge as any runoff entering the
structure will be mixed with effluent and sediment.
Drainage shall be by gravity if at all possible. The design and detailing of the drainage
system including pipes, sumps and pumps if required, shall be such as to facilitate
easy inspection and maintenance and to be durable.
Adequate protection shall be provided to prevent scour on any earthworks batters
that support the road or other infrastructure within the road reserve.
i. Utility services
Any new stock underpass must accommodate any existing utility services present
within the extent of works. Approval shall be obtained from the relevant services
owners for any diversions or changes to their service and to make sure they are
adequately protected during construction. Provision shall be made for future utility
services where there is a policy or agreement to do so.
j. Road safety barriers and hazard markers
Safety barriers must be provided to protect road users from any hazards created as a
result of the stock underpass and associated works (ie drop-offs created by the
underpass approaches) in accordance with the requirements of the Austroads Guide
to road design part 6(30). Any safety barriers provided are to be in accordance with
NZTA M23(31) (or the Bridge manual(3) as appropriate) and must consider the effect
on required road sight distances. Bridge hazard markers are to be installed either side
of the stock underpass in accordance with the Manual of traffic signs and markings
part 2 section 5(32).
k. Fencing
For security and safety fencing on headwalls and wingwalls, refer to 5.19.
Suitable stock-proof fencing (in accordance with 5.19) should be installed to control
stock movement when entering and leaving the stock underpass and prevent stock
accessing the roadside. Any fencing within the road reserve should be installed
behind barriers or constructed with frangible posts.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 21

5.5.2 Structural Structural design requirements for the stock underpass and for associated earth
design requirements retaining structures are set out in the Bridge manual(3).
Stock underpasses shall be detailed to address the durability issues posed by the
presence of stock effluent. Steel underpass structures shall have a watertight concrete
invert or alternative durability measures. Reinforced concrete exposed to stock effluent
shall be detailed for a minimum exposure classification for durability purposes of Building
code(1) clause B2.
Precast concrete units making up a stock underpass shall be robustly connected to
ensure the structure remains intact in the event of ground settlement over the life of the
structure.
The potential for flotation of the stock underpass shall be considered.

5.5.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
Where compliance with other Building code(1) clauses is judged to be necessary, this shall
be stated in the structure design statement and a means of compliance proposed.

5.6 Major culverts

This section covers all culverts or multiple culverts with a total waterway area equal to
or exceeding 3.4m², including associated headwalls and wingwalls and safety barrier
systems.

5.6.1 Design These are set out in section 2 of the Bridge manual(3).
philosophy and non-
structural design
requirements

5.6.2 Structural These are set out in the Bridge manual(3).

design requirements

5.6.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause F4 Safety from falling – via MBIE acceptable solutions and verification
methods and/or the Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution. (The Bridge
manual(3) contains requirements for barriers for footpaths and cycleways that
refer to New Zealand building code acceptable solution F4/AS1(26). For situations
where people may be occasionally be present the Bridge manual(3) presents some
alternative solutions, and thus is an alternative solution.)
Where compliance with other Building code(1) clauses is judged to be necessary, this shall
be stated in the structure design statement and a means of compliance proposed.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 22

5.7 Retaining walls

This section includes gravity walls, cantilever walls, mechanically stabilised earth walls
and anchored walls.
It also covers associated safety barrier systems.

5.7.1 Design These are set out in section 2 of the Bridge manual(3).
philosophy and non-
structural design
requirements

5.7.2 Structural These are set out in the Bridge manual(3).

design requirements

5.7.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution
• Clause F4 Safety from falling – via MBIE acceptable solutions and verification
methods and/or the Bridge manual(3) as an alternative solution. (The Bridge
manual(3) contains requirements for barriers for footpaths and cycleways that
refer to New Zealand building code acceptable solution F4/AS1(26). For situations
where people may be occasionally be present the Bridge manual(3) presents some
alternative solutions, and thus is an alternative solution).
Where compliance with other Building code(1) clauses is judged to be necessary, this shall
be stated in the structure design statement and a means of compliance proposed.

5.8 Coastal and river erosion protection works

This section provides partial design guidance for the design of erosion protection works
to structures and embankments supporting state highways which are subject to
potential erosion effects from sea and river action. This guidance and any further
requirements shall be confirmed by the Transport Agency on a project or site specific
basis.
This section includes protection works such as revetment armouring (eg rock rip rap,
gabions, mattresses, tetrapods), retards, groynes, guidebanks and other armouring
devices and training works. It does not include walls or similar structures, but may
include protection works to such structures. Erosion protection works are not structures,
but are addressed in this guide due to the significance of their performance for the
roading network and for adjacent structures.
Coastal and river erosion protection works will generally require a resource consent. An
integrated design approach is therefore sought, as works within coastal environment
(including the coastal marine area), wetlands, and lakes and rivers and their margins are
subject to a high level of environmental regulation. The design shall reflect requirements
under the Resource Management Act and the NZ Coastal Policy Statement, to avoid,
remedy or mitigate adverse effects.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 23

5.8.1 Design The design philosophy and design requirements shall generally follow the principles
philosophy and non- outlined in section 2 of the Bridge manual(3) for slopes, including in particular the basis of
structural design design set out in clause 2.1.3. However as the Bridge manual(3) does not specifically
requirements address the particular requirements of coastal and river protection works, consideration
shall be given to any additional requirements considered necessary and an integrated
design approach is sought due to a high level of environmental regulation.
Design for climate change effects shall be in general accordance with clause 2.3.2(c) of
the Bridge manual(3).
a. River erosion protection works
The design of river erosion protection works shall generally comply with the guidance
provided in Bridge scour(34).
Where the use of gabions or reno mattresses are proposed to be used as scour
protection works, the design shall comply with the design procedure given in
appendix F of Countermeasures to protect bridge piers from scour(35).
An additional reference is Bridge scour and stream instability countermeasures(36).
b. Coastal erosion protection works
The following effects shall be considered and the specific requirements agreed with
the Transport Agency:
– the effects of storm surges on high tide levels
– the combined effects of storm surge, high tides and fluvial flooding
– tsunami effects in areas considered to be vulnerable to tsunami.
For sheltered coastal conditions (for example a harbour), design wave heights,
periods and wave climate can be estimated using the Coastal engineering manual(37).
For exposed or complex coastal environments (such as the ocean), a site specific
study of wave climate shall be undertaken.
For the design of coastal protection works, guidance given in the following may be
adopted:
– The rock manual – The use of rock in hydraulic engineering(38)
– Coastal engineering manual(37).

5.8.2 Structural Not applicable.

design requirements

5.8.3 Building code Not applicable, except when associated with structures, in which case refer to the
compliance requirements for the structure.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 24

5.9 Earthworks

This section covers the stability of slopes, embankments and cuttings, being included in
the definition of ‘soil structures’ in the Bridge manual(3) and are included due to the
significance of their performance for the roading network and for adjacent structures.

5.9.1 Design This is set out in sections 2 and 6 of the Bridge manual(3).
philosophy

5.9.2 Structural These are set out in section 6 of the Bridge manual(3).
(stability) design
requirements

5.9.3 Building code Not applicable, except when associated with structures, in which case refer to the
compliance requirements for the structure.

5.10 Rockfall and slope debris control structures

This section gives partial design requirements for structures intended to prevent rocks
and other slope debris from encroaching onto carriageways.

5.10.1 Design The design philosophy and non-structural design requirements shall be specifically
philosophy and non- agreed with the Transport Agency and shall generally follow the principles outlined in
structural design Technical guideline for rockfall protection structures(39) and Rockfall: Design considerations for
requirements passive protection structures(40) in relation to passive rockfall protection structures.
For the use of concrete barriers to detain rockfall and slope debris, the requirements of
TAN 15-14 Concrete barriers used to temporarily detain rockfall and slope debris(41) shall be
adopted.

5.10.2 Structural To be specifically agreed with the Transport Agency including design working life.
design requirements
General guidance is available in Technical guideline for rockfall protection structures(39).
Anchors and rock bolts shall comply with the requirements of section 6.6.6 of the Bridge
manual(3).

5.10.3 Building code Compliance with all applicable clauses of the Building code(1) is required.
compliance
Compliance will normally be achieved via alternative solutions. Guidance can be found in
appendix A - Regulatory considerations of Rockfall: Design considerations for passive
protection structures(40).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 25

5.11 Minor culverts

This section covers all culverts or multiple culverts with a total waterway area less than
3.4 m² and their associated headwalls and wingwalls.

5.11.1 Design Refer to NZTA P46 NZ Transport Agency state highway stormwater specification(42) for
philosophy and non- design philosophy and non-structural design requirements for minor culverts and their
structural design associated headwalls and wingwalls.
requirements
(Note that additional design guidance to supplement the requirements of NZTA P46(42)
is under development and will be added to this guide as a future amendment.)

5.11.2 Structural The structural design of reinforced concrete and corrugated metal pipe culverts shall be
design requirements in accordance with section 4.10 of the Bridge manual(3).
Pipes shall be constructed of one of the materials listed in NZTA F3 Specification for pipe
culvert construction(43). The use of alternative materials requires the specific agreement of
the Transport Agency.
For concrete pipes produced to AS/NZS 4058 Precast concrete pipes (pressure and non-
pressure)(44), the term “service life” may be considered to be equivalent to design
working life.
The structural design of pipe culverts made of other materials listed in NZTA F3(43) shall
be in accordance with AS/NZS 2566.1 Buried flexible pipelines part 1 Structural design(45).
Culvert headwalls and wingwalls shall be designed as retaining walls in accordance with
the Bridge manual(3). Importance level for the walls shall be the greater of that
determined for the culvert or that determined from table 2.2 of the Bridge manual(3). For
importance level 1 and 2 walls, the design working life may be reduced to 50 years with
the specific agreement of the Transport Agency.
Pipe culvert construction shall be in accordance with NZTA F3(43).

5.11.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure:
a. for pipes made of reinforced concrete and corrugated metal, and for headwalls
– via the Bridge manual(3) and its referenced standards as an alternative
solution
b. for pipes made of other materials listed in NZTA F3(43) – via the standards
referenced in NZTA F3(43) as an alternative solution (noting that the same
standards are referenced by New Zealand building code acceptable solution
B1/AS1(15)).
• Clause B2 Durability:
a. for pipes made of reinforced concrete and corrugated metal and for headwalls
– via the Bridge manual(3) and its referenced standards as an Alternative
Solution.
b. for pipes made of other materials listed in NZTA F3(43) – via the standards
referenced in NZTA F3(43) for those materials, as an alternative solution.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 26

5.12 Stormwater systems

This section covers structural elements of piped stormwater systems including pipes,
manholes, cesspits, associated grates and covers. It does not cover stormwater systems
on bridges, which are covered in the Bridge manual(3) (clause 4.12.3).

5.12.1 Design a. General

philosophy and non-
Refer to NZTA P46 NZ Transport Agency state highway stormwater specification(42) for
structural design
design philosophy and non-structural design requirements for stormwater systems.
requirements
(Note that additional design guidance to supplement the requirements of NZTA
P46(42) is under development and will be added to this guide as a future amendment.)
b. Subsoil drainage
Subsoil drainage shall be provided in accordance with NZTA F2 Pipe subsoil drain
construction(46), at all locations where the finished pavement is below the adjacent
ground level (refer to section 8 of the Austroads Guide to road design part 5A
Drainage – road surface, networks, basins and subsurface(47) for further guidance).
The ground level shall be classified as the higher of the existing or the future level.
Subsoil drainage shall also be provided at all other locations including embankment
situations unless the granular pavement layer is ‘day-lighted’ (ie a pavement with a
feathered edge).
Subsoil drainage shall be designed and constructed to ensure that pavement
materials (stabilised subgrade, sub-base and base course) remain unsaturated, ie the
ground water table shall remain below the base of the stabilised subgrade. Subsoil
drains shall be designed and constructed to prevent clogging for the duration of the
pavement design life.
The maximum subsoil pipe run shall be 90m and shall terminate at a stormwater
management structure. Acceptable stormwater management structures shall
generally include manholes, sumps and culvert headwalls only. Where the discharge
must be at the side of an embankment, the outlet shall be protected with a concrete
surround, and fitted with a vermin grill.
At the upstream end of each run of pavement subsoil drain a rodding and/or flushing
point shall be installed to allow flushing/rodding of each run of pavement subsoil
drain.
All subsoil drains and all flushing/rodding points shall be recorded and as-built
records drawn and electronically recorded.
Swale subsoil drains shall have a designed backfill that assists in the prevention of
long-term clogging and shall be geotextile wrapped.

5.12.2 Structural For pipe elements of stormwater systems under carriageways, including shoulders and
design requirements adjacent areas accessible to permitted overweight vehicles, structural design
requirements shall be as for minor culverts (see 5.11.2). For pipe elements in areas not
accessible to permitted overweight vehicles, structural design requirements shall be as
for minor culverts except that overload traffic loading (HO-72) need not be considered.
Grates and covers on cesspits and manholes in carriageways including shoulders and
adjacent areas accessible to heavy vehicles shall be Class D (heavy duty) to AS 3996
Access covers and grates(48).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 27

5.12.2 continued Manhole and cesspit elements (excluding grates and covers) in carriageways including
shoulders and adjacent areas accessible to permitted overweight vehicles shall be
demonstrated by the supplier to be adequate for the normal and overload traffic (HN-
HO-72) design loading set out in the Bridge manual(3). This shall include both vertical
loads and horizontal soil pressures, including those generated by vehicle wheel loads.
Specific design shall be in accordance with the Bridge manual(3) and referenced
standards, unless specifically agreed otherwise with the Transport Agency. Testing of
manhole components in accordance with AS 4198 Precast concrete access chambers for
sewerage applications(49) using Class D loading from AS 3996(48) will be accepted as a
means of demonstrating adequacy for vertical loading.
Manhole and cesspit elements (excluding grates and covers) in areas outside
carriageways accessible to heavy vehicles, but not permitted overweight vehicles, shall
be demonstrated by the supplier to be adequate for the normal traffic loading (HN-72)
set out in the Bridge manual(3).
Durability for concrete elements shall be established in accordance with NZS 3101(17) or
AS/NZS 4058(44). Durability for manholes constructed of other materials shall be
established by a means agreed with the Transport Agency.

5.12.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required.

compliance
Compliance for pipe elements of stormwater systems is intended to be achieved as for
minor culverts.
For other elements compliance is intended to be achieved as follows:
• Clause B1 Structure – via the Bridge manual(3) and its referenced standards or
AS 3996(48) or AS 4198(49) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via the Bridge manual(3) and its referenced standards or
AS 3996(48) as an alternative solution.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 28

5.13 Signs and sign support structures

This section covers the design of signs, supports and foundations for overhead signs and
large and small roadside signs. The design of ITS equipment and associated support
structures is covered separately in 5.14.

5.13.1 Design Refer TNZ P/24 Performance based specification for traffic signs(50) for philosophy and
philosophy and non- non-structural design requirements for signs, their supports and their foundations.
structural design
In accordance with TNZ P/24(50):
requirements
• signs, supports and foundations for overhead signs shall be designed for a 50 year
life with an importance level of 2
• signs, supports and foundations for large roadside signs (signs with face area
greater than 4.7m² shall be designed for a 25 year life with an importance level of 2
• signs, supports and foundations for small roadside signs (signs with face area less
than or equal to 4.7m²) shall be designed for a 10 year life with an importance
level of 1.
The Road Safety Manufacturers Association RSMA compliance standard for traffic signs(51)
is an approved means of compliance with TNZ P/24(50). This document includes post
and foundation selection charts for small signs.
For requirements for electronic warning signs refer NZTA P32 Specification for electronic
warning signs on state highways(52). For sign supports and foundations this document
refers to TNZ P/24(50) and the RSMA compliance standard for traffic signs(51).
All signs mounted above carriageways shall provide a vertical clearance between
underside of sign and road surfacing of 6.0m, with appropriate provision for overlays and
foundation settlement (typically 100mm). Vertical clearance of 6.2m shall be provided
to primary structural elements of sign support structures.

5.13.2 Structural Structural design shall comply with TNZ P/24(50) and the Acceptable solutions and
design requirements verification methods for New Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15) and clause B2
Durability(53).
The design of sign supports shall include design for the effects of fatigue.
Corrosion protection for sign supports shall provide a time to first maintenance of the
design working life or 25 years, whichever is the lesser.
Thermal metal spray systems shall be seal coated as recommended in AS/NZS 2312(54).
Unless agreed otherwise with the Agency, portal type sign gantries shall be designed for
the greater of the initial sign coverage or sign coverage of 80% of the carriageway width.
Serviceability limit state deflections of sign support structures under wind load shall not
exceed h/20 at the top of the sign.
Where a sign is mounted on another structure, any fixings that are not easily replaceable
(eg cast-in bolts) shall be designed and detailed for the greater of the sign design
working life and the design working life of the supporting structure.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 29

5.13.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15)
• Clause B2 Durability – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B2 Durability(53).
Note that TNZ P/24(50) requires design loads to comply with AS/NZS 1170(16) and hence
is consistent with this requirement. The post and foundation designs for small signs in
the RSMA compliance standard for traffic signs(51) are consistent with this requirement.
Note that the Building Act 2004 does allow buildings to have a life of less than 50 years
(refer section 113 of the Act). Where a building is intended to have a life of less than 50
years the nominated life is termed the specified intended life.

5.14 ITS equipment support structures

This section covers support structures and associated foundations for CCTV (closed-
circuit television) cameras, variable message signs (VMS), lane control signals (LCS),
ramp metering signals and advance warning signs (AWS).

5.14.1 Design Refer to the Transport Agency’s ITS Specification Civil and structural requirements (ITS-
philosophy and non- 01-04)(55) for design philosophy and non-structural design requirements for ITS
structural design equipment support structures.
requirements

5.14.2 Structural As above.

design requirements

5.14.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15)
• Clause B2 Durability – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B2 Durability(53).
The ITS specification refers to these documents.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 30

5.15 Lighting columns and masts

This section covers the design of lighting columns and masts, including their
foundations.

5.15.1 Design Refer to NZTA M26 Specification for lighting columns(56) for design philosophy and non-
philosophy and non- structural design requirements for lighting columns.
structural design
Note that NZTA M26(56) does not cover:
requirements
• columns with provision for attachment of flags and/or banners unless specifically
allowed for
• high mast lighting (generally over 16m)
• CCTV camera columns
• lighting columns fed by overhead supply
• joint use columns for lighting and electricity distribution, telecommunications,
traffic signals or tramway services.
Columns with provision for the attachment of flags and/or banners shall comply with all
requirements of NZTA M26(56), but shall in addition be specifically designed to
accommodate the additional loads imposed by the flags and/or banners using a design
methodology agreed with the Transport Agency. Information provided by the designer
shall clearly describe the dimensions of the flags and/or banners for which the column
has been designed.
Requirements for high mast lighting shall be specifically agreed with the Transport
Agency, but are expected to incorporate the relevant requirements of NZTA M26(56).
Requirements for CCTV camera columns are contained in 5.14.
Requirements for lighting columns fed by overhead supply shall be specifically agreed
with the Transport Agency, but are expected to incorporate the relevant requirements of
NZTA M26(56)and the relevant requirements of the electricity or line company.
Requirements for joint use columns for lighting and traffic signals are contained in 5.16.
Requirements for other joint use columns shall be specifically agreed with the Transport
Agency, but are expected to incorporate the relevant requirements of NZTA M26(56).

5.15.2 Structural As above. Where a lighting column is mounted on another structure, any fixings that are
design requirements not easily replaceable (eg cast-in bolts) shall be designed and detailed for the greater of
the column design working life and the design working life of the supporting structure.

5.15.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15)
• Clause B2 Durability – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B2 Durability(53).
NZTA M26(56) refers to AS/NZS 1170(16), NZS 3404(18) and NZS 3101(17) and is thus
consistent with the MBIE documents.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 31

5.16 Traffic signal and speed camera poles

In addition to ‘ordinary’ vertical traffic signal and speed camera posts, this section covers
traffic signal mast arms (vertical section and outreach arm used to support traffic signals
and associated equipment above the roadway), joint use mast arms (traffic signal mast
arms that incorporate a lighting outreach assembly) and joint use signal poles (traffic
signal poles that incorporate a lighting outreach assembly). In the following, ‘poles’
refers to all of the above.
Coverage includes the foundations of the above structures.
ITS equipment and associated support structures are covered in 5.14.

5.16.1 Design Refer to NZTA P43 Specification for traffic signals(57)for design philosophy and non-
philosophy and non- structural design requirements for traffic signal and speed camera poles.
structural design
requirements

5.16.2 Structural As above.

design requirements

5.16.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15)
• Clause B2 Durability – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B2 Durability(53).

5.17 Road safety barriers

This section covers permanent road safety barrier systems. In some situations road
safety barriers also provide safety from falling. This function is covered in section 5.19

5.17.1 Design These are set out in NZTA M23 Specification for road safety barrier systems(31).
philosophy and non-
For road safety barrier systems on structures requirements are set out in NZTA M23(31)
structural design
and the Bridge manual(3).
requirements
In ‘off-structure’ situations where a barrier system is provided with a foundation because
proximity to the edge of an embankment or slope renders usual ‘off-structure’ solutions
unsuitable, the barrier system shall be considered to be on a structure and designed in
accordance with the Bridge manual(3).

5.17.2 Structural These are set out in NZTA M23(31) and the Bridge manual(3) – see above.
design requirements
Barriers not on structures do not require specific structural design for vehicle impact
loads – their adequacy is established on an accepted system basis.

5.17.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved for clauses B1
compliance Structure and B2 Durability via NZTA M23(31) and (for barriers on structures) the Bridge
manual(3) as alternative solutions.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 32

5.18 Noise barriers

This section provides requirements for noise barriers and their foundations.

5.18.1 Design Design philosophy and non-structural requirements are set out in NZTA P40
philosophy and non- Specification for noise mitigation(58), and the NZTA State highway noise barrier design
structural design guide(59).
requirements
It is noted that non-structural design requirements may dictate the form and materials
used.
Design working life shall be 50 years. Importance Level for the determination of wind
and seismic loading shall be taken as 2.

5.18.2 Structural Structural design shall follow the guidance given in NZTA P40(58) and the NZTA State
design requirements highway noise barrier design guide(59), with the following clarifications:
• Structural design shall be in accordance with New Zealand building code
verification method B1/VM1(15) and supporting standards and New Zealand
building code acceptable solution B2/AS1(53).
• Design life shall be 50 years, without replacement of any components.
• For steel elements and connections, minimum time to first maintenance shall be
40 years for inaccessible elements and 25 years for accessible elements.
Coatings shall be selected in accordance with AS/NZS 2312(54). Assessment of
accessibility shall take into account the existence or otherwise of access including
access agreements to the non-highway side of the barrier.
• Steel primary members shall be designed for the fatigue effects of wind loading.
• Connections not readily accessible for inspection shall be detailed to reduce
vulnerability to interference.
• Adequate durability for timber noise barriers shall be established by reference to
New Zealand building code acceptable solution B2/AS1(53), giving a 50 year life. It is
noted that this will require as a minimum the use of hot-dipped galvanised fixings,
and in some cases the use of stainless steel fixings.

5.18.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15)
• Clause B2 Durability – via Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
Zealand building code clause B2 Durability(53).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 33

5.19 Security and safety fences and barriers

This section provides requirements for permanent security and safety fences and
barriers and their foundations.
Security fences and barriers are provided to discourage, restrict or prevent access.
Examples include low fences and rails, close-boarded or paling type timber fences, steel
mesh security fences, stock fences, deer fences and predator proof fencing. Such fences
are often, but not always, located on road boundaries. Security fences are sometimes
required around vegetation areas to meet consent conditions.
Safety fences and barriers described in this section are provided to safeguard people
from injury caused by falling. Safety fences and barriers provided to give safety from
falling are usually, but not always, located on structures. They include safety fences and
barriers for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians utilising paths and roads and also
fences and barriers safeguarding the general public (eg on viewing platforms and
retaining walls adjoining public areas). They also include safety fences or barriers
provided primarily to safeguard inspection and maintenance personnel and emergency
personnel, in areas not generally intended to be accessed by the public (eg on bridge
decks without footpaths and at the top of retaining walls). Sometimes safety from falling
fences and barriers are not located on structures (eg they may be located at the top of
steep slopes).
A fence or barrier may provide both security and safety from falling.
This section does not cover roadside (traffic safety) barriers and railings, or noise
barriers, which are covered by other sections of this guide (and sometimes perform
safety from falling and/or security functions in addition to their primary purpose). It also
does not cover debris screens and anti-throw screens, the requirements for which are
contained in the Bridge manual(3).

5.19.1 Design a. Urban and landscaping design factors

philosophy and non-
Fences and barriers can have a significant impact on the urban and landscaping
structural design
design outcomes of a project, and these outcomes shall be taken into account in the
requirements
location, form, detailing and finish of fences and barriers. For further guidance refer
to 5.1.
b. Safety fences and barriers on structures
Requirements for pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian barriers on structures (ie on the
outer edge of paths on structures) are given in the Bridge manual(3). This includes
requirements for the pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian portion of combination
barriers (combined traffic and pedestrian, cyclist or equestrian barriers) used on the
outer edge of paths on structures also carrying traffic. The Bridge manual(3) also gives
requirements for barriers providing safety from falling from retaining walls adjacent
to other public areas.
The Bridge manual(3) requirements for both the above situations include meeting the
requirements of clause F4 Safety from falling of the Building code(1), by utilising New
Zealand building code acceptable solution F4/AS1(26). The Bridge manual(3) gives
guidance (in B2.4) regarding choice of barrier type (general or vertical bar type) for
different situations.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 34

5.19.1 continued The Bridge manual(3) also gives guidance on the provision of safety from falling on
structures where people may occasionally be present. These include bridges without
footpaths and retaining walls, on which inspection, maintenance and emergency
personnel, and also pedestrians in a remote rural environment, may be present.
Again, the requirements of clause F4 must be met. However, the utilisation of New
Zealand building code acceptable solution F4/AS1(26) is not mandatory in these
situations and an alternative solution may be appropriate. In such situations, it can be
assumed that small children are not likely to be present.
Fences and barriers shall be provided to provide safety from falling on structures
intended for public use that are not covered by the Bridge manual(3) (for example on a
viewing platform) in accordance with the requirements of clause F4, and utilising
New Zealand building code acceptable solution F4/AS1(26).
c. Safety fences and barriers not on structures
Safety from falling barriers shall also be provided to footpaths intended for public use
and other public areas in the following off-structure situations:

i. where required by the Transport Agency’s Pedestrian planning and design

guide(60)
ii. wherever the ground level at a distance 1.5m from the edge of the path or used
area is more than 1.0m below path level
iii. wherever a serious falling hazard to the user exists within 1.5m of the edge of
the path or used area
iv. in any other situation where a serious hazard is considered to be present.
In these situations, barriers shall conform with New Zealand building code acceptable
solution F4/AS1(26). Examples of other public areas covered by this requirement are
viewing areas and stopping areas. It is noted that in some cases, security fences can
be used to define public areas and prevent proximity to a falling hazard that would
otherwise require a safety from falling barrier.
Consideration shall also be given, through a risk assessment approach, to the need
for safety from falling protection in off-structure situations where there may be the
occasional presence of people (as defined in clause B2.9 of the Bridge manual(3)). This
shall take into account the frequency and nature of inspection and maintenance
activities, and also the likelihood of public access to the area. As a minimum, barriers
for safety from falling should be provided adjacent to paths or areas used for regular
inspection and maintenance purposes or in emergency situations, wherever a serious
falling hazard to the user exists within 1.5m of the edge of the path or working area.
Such barriers shall be as detailed in clause 6.6.1(c) of the Bridge manual(3).
For the purpose of the above, the top of a slope steeper than 35° (1V:1.5H) and
abrupt drops of more than 2.0m shall be considered to constitute a serious falling
hazard. Abrupt drops of less than 2.0m may also constitute a serious falling hazard
requiring provision of a barrier, depending on the fall height and nature of the impact
surface, and an assessment shall be made of whether such drops do constitute a
serious hazard. Guidance in this regard may be obtained from SNZ HB 8630 Tracks
and outdoor visitor structures(61).
d. Safety barriers on bicycle paths
Safety barriers shall be provided on bicycle paths in the situations recommended by
the Austroads Guide to road design part 6A(27), and shall follow the recommendations
of the guide with regard to type, height and form.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 35

5.19.1 continued On paths intended for both pedestrian and cyclist use barriers shall be provided as
required for both types of users.
e. Approval of barrier provision for safety from falling
The proposed extent and type of barriers to be provided for safety from falling shall
be summarised for each project and approved by the Transport Agency.
f. Security fences and barriers
The State highway control manual(33) outlines in section 2.2.3.G requirements for
fencing adjacent to state highways.
Security fences and barriers, including stock fences, shall be designed in accordance
with best practice and shall be ‘adequate’ taking into account their intended purpose.
Factors such as climbability, the type of stock to be contained and the safety of
adjacent users of the road reserve shall be considered.
Any requirements contained in statutory and other agreements including consents,
property agreements, landowner agreements and stakeholder agreements shall be
incorporated.
Guidance regarding the appropriate form of security barriers and fences may be
obtained from the following sources:
– Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand website(62)
– Schedule 2 to the Fencing Act 1978 (reprinted July 2014) (noting that the
descriptions contained therein are dated)
g. Other safety considerations for fences and barriers
Fences and barriers provided for security or safety from falling purposes may
themselves create safety hazards. Consideration shall be given to CPTED (Crime
prevention through environmental design) and Safety in design (see 5.1).
Fences and barriers that could be impacted by a vehicle should be detailed so as to
be effectively frangible (passively safe) so that after a vehicular impact, the vehicle
occupants are unlikely to suffer injuries.
h. Design life
Elements of fences and barriers that are not easily replaceable (typically posts and
foundations as a minimum) shall be designed for a 50 year life, and to give a life to
first maintenance of at least 15 years. Elements that are easily replaceable shall have
a life to first maintenance or replacement of at least 15 years, but shall be designed
for wind loads appropriate for a 50 year life.
The assessment of whether an element is easily replaceable, and of the required life
to first maintenance of elements, shall take into account the ease and safety of
access, and whether traffic management is required, and shall be agreed with the
Transport Agency for each project. Boards and palings on timber fences shall not in
general be considered to be ‘easily replaceable’.
In situations where the cost of providing a 50 year life for timber barriers and fences
appears excessive and not to represent “value for money”, a specified intended life
for durability purposes of 25 years may be adopted with the agreement of the
Transport Agency.
Fence and barriers shall be considered to be importance level 1 structures for the
purpose of determining wind, snow and earthquake loads.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 36

5.19.1 continued i. Pool fencing

It shall be noted that fencing meeting the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming
Pools Act 1987 is unlikely to be adequate for roading corridor purposes, and the term
‘pool fencing’ should not be used when specifying. (The term ‘welded panel fencing’
is suggested for prefabricated panels formed by welding steel wires or sections
together.)

5.19.2 Structural a. Safety fences and barriers

design requirements
Structural design requirements for pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian barriers on
major structures (ie bridges, major culverts and retaining walls) and the pedestrian,
cyclist and equestrian portion of combination barriers on such structures are given in
the Bridge manual(3).
Other fences and barriers providing safety from falling, either on structures not
covered by the Bridge manual(3), or in off-structure situations, shall be designed in
accordance with the New Zealand building code verification method B1/VM1(15). The
following occupancies shall be used in determining minimum imposed actions on
barriers from table 3.3 of AS/NZS 1170.1(16):
– barriers on structures or areas that may be utilised for viewing purposes, or
other situations where the public may congregate, but that are not susceptible
to overcrowding – C1/C2
– other barriers accessible to the public – C3
– barriers for access and safe working by operating, inspection, maintenance or
servicing personnel – B,E (as for fixed platforms, walkways, stairways etc).
(Note that where a barrier is provided at the bottom of a slope on which
personnel are working consideration shall be given to the provision of a barrier
designed for C3 loading)
– barriers on structures or areas susceptible to overcrowding – C5.
Where a fence or barrier is provided that is of greater than minimum height (eg a
security fence that also provides safety from falling) the recommendations of the
MBIE document Guidance on barrier design(63) shall be followed when applying the
safety from falling loadings.
b. Security fences and barriers
Security fences and barriers shall be designed for wind loads in accordance with New
Zealand building code verification method B1/VM1(15). Stock fences need not be
specifically designed for imposed loading, but their adequacy shall be established by
reference to best practice. Where robustness and resistance to vandalism is
considered particularly important in security fences preventing access by people (for
example to motorway corridors), security fences shall be designed as a minimum for
the same loadings as C3 occupancy barriers providing safety from falling. The
adequacy for imposed loading of other security fences and barriers preventing access
by people shall be established by reference to best practice.
c. Durability
Durability requirements for barriers on structures covered by the Bridge manual(3) are
contained in that document.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 37

5.19.2 continued Durability for timber fences and barriers and timber components of other fences and
barriers shall normally be established by reference to New Zealand building code
acceptable solution B2/AS1(53). It is noted that this will require as a minimum the use
of hot-dipped galvanised fixings, and in some cases the use of stainless steel fixings.
In cases where a 25 year design life has been adopted, adequate durability shall be
established by reference to SNZ HB 8630(61).
Durability for coated metal components and their fixings for fences and barriers not
covered by the Bridge manual(3) shall be established by reference to AS/NZS 2312(54),
AS/NZS 4534 Zinc and zinc/aluminium-alloy coatings on steel wire(64) and good
practice. In some environments standard hot-dipped galvanised finish will not be
adequate and additional or higher quality coatings will be required. Where fixings are
of a different material to the components they fix, precautions shall be taken to
prevent galvanic corrosion occurring.
Durability for other materials shall be established by reference to appropriate
guidance agreed with the Transport Agency.

5.19.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required for all fences and barriers.
compliance
Compliance with clause B1 Structure is intended to be achieved via the Bridge manual(3)
as an alternative solution for barriers on bridges, major culverts and retaining walls and,
where possible, via the MBIE Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New Zealand
building code clause B1 Structure(15) for other fences and barriers. The MBIE Acceptable
solutions and verification methods for New Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15) do
not provide a path for establishing compliance for loading imposed by stock or people on
security type fences. Compliance may be considered to be achieved by in-service history
as an alternative solution, where this is available.
Compliance with clause B2 Durability is intended to be achieved via the Bridge manual(3)
as an alternative solution for barriers on bridges, major culverts and retaining walls and,
where possible, via the MBIE Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New Zealand
building code clause B2 Durability(53) for other fences and barriers. Where this is not
possible, other AS/NZS Standards, SNZ HB 8630(61) or in-service history may be used as
an alternative solution.
Compliance with clause F4 Safety from falling shall be achieved via the MBIE Compliance
document for New Zealand building code clause F4 Safety from falling(26) for all fences and
barriers providing safety from falling from structures regularly used by the public. On
structures where people may occasionally be present, compliance with F4 may be
achieved by the alternative solutions described in the Bridge manual(3).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 38

5.20 Buildings

This section provides partial requirements for all buildings (in the normal sense) that
form a part of the operational roading asset. Examples include:
• tunnel control buildings
• weigh-station buildings.
Remaining requirements will need to be agreed with the Transport Agency on a project
or structure specific basis.

5.20.1 Design To be specifically agreed with the Transport Agency, including design working life and
philosophy and non- importance level.
structural design
requirements

5.20.2 Structural Expected to be usually as per Acceptable solutions and verification methods for New
design requirements Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15) and clause B2 Durability(53).
Any additional requirements shall be specifically agreed with the Transport Agency and
documented in the structure design statement.

5.20.3 Building code Compliance with all applicable clauses of the Building code(1) is required.
compliance
It is intended that compliance will normally be achieved via the MBIE Acceptable
Solutions and Verification Methods.

5.21 Road tunnels

This section provides partial design requirements for road tunnels.

Remaining requirements will need to be agreed with the Transport Agency on a project
or structure specific basis.
For definition of road tunnel see the NZ Transport Agency Guide to road tunnels(65) section
1.3.

5.21.1 Design These shall generally be in accordance with the Austroads Guide to road tunnels part 2
philosophy and non- Planning, design and commissioning(66), as modified by the NZ Transport Agency Guide to
structural design road tunnels(65).
requirements
They shall be confirmed via the technical approval procedures outlined in section 2 of
this Highway structures design guide.

5.21.2 Structural As above.

design requirements

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 39

5.21.3 Building code Building code(1) compliance is required and intended to be achieved as follows:
compliance
• Clause B1 Structure – via the documents named above (and other overseas
standards as necessary) as an alternative solution
• Clause B2 Durability – via the documents named above (and other overseas
standards as necessary) as an alternative solution
• Clauses C1 to C6 Protection from fire – via the documents named above (and
other overseas standards as necessary) as an alternative solution
Where compliance with other Building code(1) clauses is judged to be necessary, this shall
be stated in the structure design statement and a means of compliance proposed.

5.22 Other structures

This section provides partial requirements for other highway structures (structures not
otherwise covered by the preceding clause within section 5), such as urban art features.

5.22.1 Design These shall be specifically agreed with the Transport Agency, including design working
philosophy and non- life and importance level, and shall be documented in the structure design statement.
structural design
requirements

5.22.2 Structural These shall be specifically agreed with the Transport Agency and documented in the
design requirements structure design statement.
Requirements will generally be as per Acceptable solutions and verification methods for
New Zealand building code clause B1 Structure(15) and clause B2 Durability(53).

5.22.3 Building code Compliance with all applicable clauses of the Building code(1) is required.
compliance
It is expected that compliance will normally be achieved via the MBIE Acceptable
Solutions and Verification Methods.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 40

6.0 Requirements for alterations to existing highway

structures
6.1 General

Alterations shall include extensions (widening, lengthening or raising) or improvements

(eg for traffic loading, seismic performance, side protection or durability) or any other
works involving structural alterations.
All alteration work shall be undertaken in accordance with sections 2, 3 and 4 of this
guide, unless otherwise agreed by the Transport Agency.

6.2 Design requirements

Where an existing road structure is to be altered, the minimum requirements shall be

that:
• the new work complies with the requirements for a new structure set out in
section 5 of this guide (and hence with the Building code(1))
• the altered structure will continue to comply with the new structure requirements
set out in section 5 of this guide (and hence with the Building code(1)) to at least
the same extent as before the alteration.
This will achieve compliance with the Building Act 2004 via section 112 of the Act.
The above is a minimum requirement. The Transport Agency may wish to
simultaneously improve the existing portions of the structure, and shall be consulted to
identify any requirements for specific alterations including:
• minimum seismic design requirements
• minimum safety barrier requirements
• any other improvements.
Where appropriate, departures from the requirements of this guide will be considered by
the Transport Agency.
The structure options reports and structure design statement shall confirm the
requirements for the altered structure.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 41

7.0 Evaluation of existing highway structures

This section provides guidance for the evaluation of bridge live load capacity and
evaluation of common physical risks.
Methodologies and criteria for any evaluation shall be specifically confirmed with the
Transport Agency.

7.1 Live load capacity

Evaluation of existing bridges, major culverts, subways and stock underpasses for traffic
load carrying capacity shall be carried out in accordance with section 7 of the Bridge
manual(3).
The specific live load requirements for each structure shall be agreed with the Transport
Agency.

7.2 Risk evaluation

Highway structures may be vulnerable to various physical risks, in particular:

• live load failure due to defects or deficiencies not readily identified by normal
inspection procedures
• waterway induced failure due to floods, scour or waterway changes
• seismic failure.
Specific screening procedures have been developed to identify these risks as follows:
• live load risk – Live load risk screening methodology(67)
• waterway risk – Development of a national bridge scour risk screening procedure(68)
• seismic risk - Seismic screening of bridges(69).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 42

8.0 Design requirements for non-Transport Agency

structures present in state highway road reserve
8.1 Controls and processes

Structures that are not Transport Agency owned can be present within the road reserve.
Examples include footbridges, rail bridges, pipe bridges and local authority bridges that
cross state highways; retaining walls within the state highway road reserve that support
rail tracks or buildings; buried structures that convey rail or materials under or alongside
state highways; and utility structures. (Utility structures are defined in the National code
of practice for utility operators’ access to transport corridors(70). They include towers, poles,
cabinets, posts, pipes, cables, chambers, drains, street furniture assets and other
structures.)
Some of these structures are entitled under legislation to be present in the road reserve.
Others are present at the discretion of the Transport Agency. In some cases the
Transport Agency agrees to the construction of structures within the road reserve to
meet a non-highway need, but assumes ownership of the structure – stock underpasses
being one example.
In all cases where others desire the construction of a structure within the road reserve,
the agreement of the Transport Agency as manager and operator of the state highway
network must be obtained. All non-Transport Agency owned structures in the road
reserve require a specific form of agreement, either through the national utilities code of
practice or via a deed of grant and approval to work on the road. The processes and
procedures that apply to the obtaining of such agreements, and standard templates for
such agreements, are generally set out in chapter 2 of the State highway control
manual(33). In any situation where the State highway control manual(33) does not set out the
process and procedure to be followed, the National Manager, Network Outcomes shall
be consulted. In all cases the Transport Agency has the ability to impose or request
conditions, including the design requirements, maintenance strategy and maintenance
agreement for the new structure.
To the extent that they are able to be imposed, the design statement requirements,
design review requirements and certification requirements of section 2 of this guide and
the documentation requirements of section 3 shall apply to non-Transport Agency
structures. Structure design statements shall be endorsed by the Transport Agency.
Any modifications to non-Transport Agency structures, or any works which directly or
indirectly affect a Transport Agency structure, shall be endorsed by the Transport
Agency prior to work proceeding.

8.2 Design requirements

For new structures, the Transport Agency shall impose any minimum design
requirements necessary to ensure that the performance of the state highway is not
compromised by the presence of the structure. These requirements will be additive to
the owner’s requirements for the structure.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 43

8.2 continued The minimum requirements shall include those that would apply to a Transport Agency
owned structure in the same physical relationship to the state highway that derive from
the proximity to the state highway. For example, a bridge over the state highway
carrying rail, pipes or a local road shall as a minimum meet the same clearance
requirements, pier collision load requirements, urban design requirements and be
designed for the same extreme event annual probabilities of exceedance as a Transport
Agency owned bridge over the state highway.
The minimum requirements shall also include requirements that derive from the
contents of or traffic supported by the structure to the extent that they pose risks to the
continuing functionality of the state highway and the safety of its users. Examples are
gas pipeline explosion or rail or road vehicles breaching the side protection of a bridge
over the state highway.
The standard agreement templates contained within the State highway control manual(33)
contain some standard design requirements. For example, appendix 2A is the template
for the Schedule of reasonable conditions to be used when responding to a Corridor
access request from a utility operator. Included in the general (standard) conditions in
the template are requirements for utility structures within the trafficable part of the road
to be designed for HN-HO-72 traffic loading, and overhead services to be erected with a
clearance of 6.5m above the carriageway. Local and special conditions are able to be
added.
Note that the structure design requirements shall be included in the structure design
statement for endorsement by the Transport Agency.
All non-Transport Agency structures within the road reserve that are buildings in terms
of the Building Act 2004 will need to comply with the Building code(1). (Note, however,
that some structures that form part of a network utility operator (NUO) system are
excluded from the definition of building in the Building Act 2004 and are thus not
required to comply with the Building code(1).)

8.3 Structures or earthworks adjacent to the road reserve

The performance of the state highway network may be potentially affected by the
construction of structures or earthworks adjacent to the road reserve.
In such cases a common law right exists, and the Transport Agency will seek to ensure
that the design standards used for such works are such that the operation of the state
highway is not adversely affected. Again, the requirements that the Transport Agency
desires are those that would apply to a Transport Agency owned structure or
earthworks in the same physical relationship to the state highway that derive from the
proximity to the state highway.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 44

9.0 References

(1) Parliamentary Counsel Office (1992) Building Regulations 1992. Schedule 1 The
building code. Wellington.
(2) NZ Transport Agency (2015) NZTA S6 Bridges and other significant highway
structures inspection policy. Wellington.
(3) NZ Transport Agency (2013) SP/M/022 Bridge manual (3rd edition). Wellington.
(4) Transit New Zealand (2003) SP/M/022 Bridge manual (2nd edition). Wellington.
Superseded.
(5) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly
AS/NZS 1100.501:2002 Technical drawing – Structural engineering drawing.
(6) NZ Transport Agency (2015) Minimum standard Z/15 – Asset owner’s manual.
Wellington.
(7) NZ Transport Agency (2015) Professional services guideline PSG/15 – Asset
owner’s manual. Wellington.
(8) NZ Transport Agency (2015) Professional services guideline PSG/9 – Delivery of
as-built documentation. Wellington.
(9) NZ Transport Agency Bridge data system (BDS)
Descriptive guide part A (2006)
Structural guide part B (2009)
(10) NZ Transport Agency (2015) SM030 State highway professional services contract
proforma manual. Wellington.
(11) NZ Transport Agency (2015) SM031 State highway construction contract proforma
manual. Wellington.
(12) NZ Transport Agency (2015) SM032 State highway maintenance contract proforma
manual. Wellington.
(13) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2011) Compliance document for
New Zealand building code clause D1 Access routes. Wellington.
(14) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2014) New Zealand building code
handbook. Wellington.
(15) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2014) Acceptable solutions and
verification methods for New Zealand building code clause B1 Structure. Wellington.
(16) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly
AS/NZS 1170: Structural design actions.
Part 0:2002 General principles
Part 1:2002 Permanent, imposed and other actions
Part 2:2011 Wind actions
Part 3:2003 Snow and ice actions
Part 5:2004 Earthquake actions --- New Zealand (NZS 1170.5).
(17) Standards New Zealand NZS 3101.1&2:2006 Concrete structures standard.
(18) Standards New Zealand NZS 3404. Steel structures standard.
Parts 1 and 2:1997
Part 1:2009 Materials, fabrication and construction.
(19) Standards New Zealand NZS 3603:1993 Timber structures standard.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 45

(20) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly

AS/NZS 1664.1:1997 Aluminium structures. Part 1 Limit state design.
(21) NZ Transport Agency (2013) Bridging the gap: Urban design guidelines. Wellington.
(22) NZ Transport Agency (2014) Landscape guidelines (final draft). Wellington.
(23) NZ Transport Agency (2015) Historic heritage impact assessment guide for state
highway projects. Wellington.
(24) NZ Transport Agency (2014) ZH/MS/01 Safety in design minimum standard for
road projects (draft version 1). Wellington.
(25) NZ Transport Agency (2004) SM051 Location referencing management system
(LRMS) manual. Wellington.
(26) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2007) Compliance document for
New Zealand building code clause F4 Safety from falling. Wellington.
(27) Austroads (2009) Guide to road design. Part 6A Pedestrian and cyclist paths,
AGRD06A-09. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
(28) NZ Transport Agency (1986) TNZ M/3 Notes on subbase aggregate specification
TNZ M/3. Wellington.
(29) NZ Transport Agency (1997) TNZ F/1 Specification for earthworks construction.
Wellington.
(30) Austroads (2010) Guide to road design. Part 6 Roadside design, safety and
barriers, AGRD06-10. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
(31) NZ Transport Agency (2009) NZTA M23 Specification for road safety barrier
systems. Wellington.
(32) NZ Transport Agency (2010) Manual of traffic signs and markings. Part 2 Markings.
Section 5 Delineation and hazard markers. Wellington.
(33) NZ Transport Agency (2013) SM012 State highway control manual. Wellington.
(34) Melville BW and Coleman SE (2000) Bridge scour. Water Resources Publications,
LLC. Highlands Ranch, CO, USA.
(35) Transportation Research Board (2007) Countermeasures to protect bridge piers
from scour. National Cooperative Highway Research Program report 593,
Washington DC, USA.
(36) Federal Highway Administration (2009) Bridge scour and stream instability
countermeasures, NHI-09-111. Washington DC, USA.
(37) US Army Corps of Engineers (2002) Coastal engineering manual. Washington, DC,
USA.
(38) CIRIA, CUR, CETMEF (2007). The Rock Manual – The use of rock in hydraulic
engineering (2nd edition), C683. CIRIA, London, United Kingdom.
(39) Christchurch City Council (2013) Technical guideline for rockfall protection
structures. Christchurch.
(40) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2016) Rockfall: Design
considerations for passive protection structures. Wellington. (In prep.)
(41) NZ Transport Agency (2015) TAN 15-14 Concrete barriers used to temporarily
detain rockfall and slope debris. Wellington.
(42) NZ Transport Agency (2016) NZTA P46 NZ Transport Agency state highway
stormwater specification. Wellington.
(43) NZ Transport Agency (2010) NZTA F3 Pipe culvert construction. Wellington.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page 46

(44) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly

AS/NZS 4058:2007 Precast concrete pipes (pressure and non-pressure.
(45) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly
AS/NZS 2566.1:1998 Buried flexible pipelines. Part 1 Structural design.
(46) NZ Transport Agency (2013) NZTA F2 Pipe subsoil drain construction. Wellington.
(47) Austroads (2013) Guide to road design part 5A Drainage – road surface, networks,
basins and subsurface, AGRD05A-13. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
(48) Standards Australia AS 3996-2006 Access covers and grates.
(49) Standards Australia AS 4198-1994 Precast concrete access chambers for sewerage
applications.
(50) NZ Transport Agency (2008) TNZ P/24 Performance based specification for traffic
signs. Wellington.
(51) Road Safety Manufacturers Association (2010) RSMA compliance standard for
traffic signs. Auckland.
(52) NZ Transport Agency (2011) NZTA P32 Specification for electronic warning signs on
state highways. Wellington.
(53) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2014) Acceptable solutions and
verification methods for New Zealand building code clause B2 Durability. Wellington.
(54) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly
AS/NZS 2312: Guide to the protection of structural steel against
atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings.
Part 1:2014 Paint coatings
Part 2:2014 Hot dip galvanizing
Part 3 Thermally sprayed metallic coatings (In prep.).
(55) NZ Transport Agency (2013) ITS Specification Civil and structural requirements
(ITS-01-04). Wellington.
(56) NZ Transport Agency (2012) NZTA M26 Specification for lighting columns.
Wellington.
(57) NZ Transport Agency (2016) NZTA P43 Specification for traffic signals.
Wellington. (In prep.)
(58) NZ Transport Agency (2012) NZTA P40 Specification for noise mitigation.
Wellington.
(59) NZ Transport Agency (2010) NZTA State highway noise barrier design guide.
Wellington.
(60) NZ Transport Agency (2009) Pedestrian planning and design guide. Wellington.
(61) Standards New Zealand SNZ HB 8630:2004 Tracks and outdoor visitor structures.
(62) Fencing Contractor’s Association of NewZealand website.
Last accessed 27 May 2016.
<http://fencingcontractors.co.nz/>
(63) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (2012) Guidance on barrier design.
Wellington.
(64) Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand jointly
AS/NZS 4534:2006 Zinc and zinc/aluminium-alloy coatings on steel wire.
(65) NZ Transport Agency (2012) NZ Transport Agency Guide to road tunnels.
Wellington.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 47

(66) Austroads (2015) Guide to road tunnels. Part 2 Planning, design and
commissioning, AGRT02-15. Sydney, NSW, Australia.
(67) Beca Ltd (2016) Live load risk screening methodology. Wellington. (In prep.)
(68) Opus International Consultants Ltd (2007) Development of a national bridge scour
risk screening procedure. Wellington.
(69) NZ Transport Agency (1998) SM110 Seismic screening of bridges. Wellington.
(70) NZ Utilities Advisory Group (2015) National code of practice for utility operators’
access to transport corridors. Wellington.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page 48

(This page is intentionally blank)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–1

Appendix A Technical approval, review and

certification procedures

A1 Introduction

This appendix gives the ‘technical approval’, review and certification procedures
required by the NZ Transport Agency (the Transport Agency) for highway structures on
state highways. Use of the procedures by other road controlling authorities may be
considered appropriate.
The procedures consist of the submission of proposals for agreement by the Transport
Agency and the subsequent provision and acceptance of certificates confirming that the
design complies with the agreed structure design statement and the construction works
are in accordance with the design.
The procedures have been developed from previous requirements of the Transport
Agency and BD 2 Technical approval of highway structures(1) produced by the UK
Highways Agency. They were previously published as appendix F to the Bridge manual(2).
The technical approval procedures as described in this appendix require the development
of structure options reports and structure design statements, that are submitted to the
Transport Agency at three distinct stages in the project cycle, and the acceptance of
these documents by the Transport Agency before detailed design is commenced.
Technical approval is a continuing exercise that should start at an early stage of
development of proposals.
Certification is then required in the form of design, design review, construction and
construction review certificates. These confirm that the design has been implemented in
accordance with the structure design statement (or the Transport Agency’s standards or
specifications for simpler structures) and the construction has been implemented in
accordance with the design.
These technical approval, review and certification requirements are separate to any
requirements to demonstrate compliance with the Building code(3) to external agencies
where this is required. It is however anticipated that the documents required for
technical approval, review and certification will assist in that process.
Figure A1 indicates the various steps required for technical approval, review and
certification.

A2 Technical approval requirements

A2.1 Scope The technical approval procedures, as described in this appendix and summarised in A1,
apply to the highway structures listed below. Certification requirements are discussed in
A5. The requirements for any reviews are given where relevant throughout this
appendix.
a. bridge, stock underpass, pedestrian subway supporting a state highway
b. culvert or multiple culverts with a total clear opening (waterway area) greater than
3.4m² (“major culvert”)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–2

A2.1 continued c. critical small culvert

d. bridge over or adjacent to a state highway, including footbridge and cycle bridge
e. overhead crossing of state highway carrying conveyor or utility service
f. earth retaining structure (including reinforced/strengthened soil/fill structures)
where the effective retained height, ie the level of the fill at the back of the structure
above the finished ground level in front of the structure, is greater than 1.5m or the
structure is associated with a bridge
g. critical river and coastal protection works
h. portal and cantilever sign and/or signal gantry
i. cantilever mast for traffic signal and/or speed camera
j. lighting column
k. high mast for lighting (generally more than 16m in height, ie the vertical distance
from top of post to bottom of flange plate)
l. mast for camera, radio and telecommunication transmission equipment
m. fence greater than 2.5m in height
n. noise wall
o. large roadside highway signs (with panel area greater than 4.7m²)
p. small roadside highway signs on posts of more than 7m in height, ie the vertical
distance from top of post to bottom of flange plate or top of foundation whichever is
the lesser.
In all cases the technical approval process shall include stability of the ground in which
the structure is located. The procedures shall also apply to the stability of slopes not
affecting bridges.

A2.2 Category of For the purposes of this appendix, structures subject to technical approval shall be
structures placed in one of four categories: 1, 2, 3 or 4, according to the criteria described in A6.2.
The category shall be proposed by the design firm and agreed by the Transport Agency,
except for design and construct (D&C) contracts where the category shall be detailed in
the principal’s requirements. The category boundaries are not rigid. In case of doubt each
case shall be decided in consultation with the Transport Agency on its merits, having
regard to potential consequences of failure, design complexity and whole of life costs.
Structure options reports and structure design statements are required for structures in
categories 1, 2 and 3, but not category 4. The level of input to these documents is
generally expected to be commensurate with the stage of the project and the
complexity, and hence category, of the structure.
Structures that do not require technical approval remain subject to certification
requirements and shall be considered as ‘uncategorised’ structures. They typically are
simple structures and do not require building consent.
The technical approval, review and certification requirements for each category of
structure are shown in table A1.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Technical approval Checking/peer review Certification Building Code

Project feasibility
(Indicative business case)

Effective from May 2016

First edition, Amendment 0
Detailed business Preliminary
structure options
case report(s)

Structure options

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

report(s)

Design and project

Principal’s Structure design Design Building
documentation requirements statement(s) certificate(s) consent(s)
(Pre-implementation)
Tender
Design review
submission Design Design review
certificate(s)
report
Figure A1: Technical approval, review and certification process diagram

Construction Construction
Construction management certificate(s) Certificate(s)
for public use
(Implementation)
Construction
Construction
review
review
certificate(s)

Code
Post construction Handover compliance
documentation and certificate(s)
(Post implementation)
NZTA acceptance
of completed
structure(s)
Page A–3
Page A–4

A2.3 Structure The documentation that is required for technical approval shall be developed in stages
options reports and as the level of knowledge increases through the project phases. Generally the
structure design documents shall be produced at three stages: preliminary structure options reports as
statements part of the detailed business case; structure options reports at the commencement of
the design phase; and structure design statements prior to detailed design. The general
requirements for the documents at each project phase are given in A3 and A4. Model
documents are included in annex A1.
Structure options reports shall form an engineering and urban design appreciation of the
need for the structures, the factors which influence the designs, the proposed
requirements and standards to apply to the design of the structures, the alternative
forms the designs can take, the reasons for selection of preferred alternatives as being
more suitable than the others and an assessment of the costs.
Structure design statements, once accepted by the Transport Agency, set out the agreed
form and nature of the structures to be designed during final design, including the design
requirements and standards, and the design methodology. During final design, should
the design firm deviate significantly from the form and nature of structure or the design
procedure set out in a structure design statement, a revised structure design statement
shall be submitted for acceptance by the Transport Agency.
For some methods of procurement of the physical works such as design and construct,
the structure options reports, once accepted by the Transport Agency, will generally
present the specimen design. Principal’s requirements will be prepared to define the
fundamental requirements to be satisfied by the design. Subsequently a contractor’s
tender submission report will set out the proposed options for detailed design.
For an alternative proposal to a fully detailed conforming design, the alternative design
shall be compared against the conforming design and the outcomes included in updated
structure design statements, which shall accompany the tender submission.
Table A1: Technical approval, review and certification requirements for each category of
structure

Preliminary Structure Structure Design Design Construction Building Building

structure options design certificate review and code consent
options report statement certificate construction compliance
Category

report review required1

certificates
1        2
2        2
3  3 3     2
4        2
U        4
Notes:
1. Where applicable (ie not earth slopes).
2. Unless defined as exempt building work in schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004.
3. An abbreviated document is acceptable.
4. Any structure that requires building consent shall not be considered as an uncategorised structure.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–5

A2.4 Site The design firm shall ensure that there is sufficient site information to form the basis of
information the structure options reports or structure design statements. The bridge site information
summary given in appendix E is a suitable checklist. However, it is the design firm's
responsibility to ensure that the information is sufficiently comprehensive to enable
sound judgement to be made on all aspects of the design. This applies particularly to
subsurface and hydrological information and if these or other data are not adequate the
design firm shall obtain the necessary information before the structure design
statements are produced.

A2.5 Structure Structure options reports and structure design statements shall be approved for release,
options reports and signed and dated by a senior design representative who has the authority to sign on
structure design behalf of the consultancy or contractor providing the design service. The name(s) of the
statements approval author(s) of the document shall also be included on the cover page.
and approval for
The consultancy or contractor providing the design service shall obtain the Transport
construction
Agency’s acceptance of each structure options report or structure design statement.
commencement
Space for acceptance and comments by the Transport Agency shall be provided as
shown in the model documents in annex A1.
The structure design statement shall be accepted by the Transport Agency prior to any
construction works associated with the structure proceeding. Such acceptance shall be
for the whole structure in its entirety including foundations, any supporting earth
embankment structures and associated ground improvement works (eg beneath pad
foundations or ground improvement works for liquefaction mitigation purposes).
Changes to the proposed structure and design requirements and standards for an agreed
structure design statement (sections 2 and 3 of the model document in annex A1) to
account for subsequent variations during design or construction render the structure
design statement subject to re-approval and agreement by the Transport Agency. This
must be confirmed either in the form of an amended version of the agreed structure
design statement or as a separate addendum to the agreed structure design statement.

A2.6 Contractual Technical approval does not in any way modify and reduce the contractual and statutory
responsibilities and responsibilities of any party for the work carried out or the legal responsibilities of
procedures professional engineers.
This appendix has been written such that it is applicable in principle to all current and
likely future forms of procurement. The procedures, format and terms used in this
appendix are intended to be contract-neutral and should be taken as models. The model
structure options report and structure design statement provided in annex A1 shall be
amended and agreed with the Transport Agency, to suit specific contract requirements.
Timings and procedures should be identified in the scheme specific contract
requirements.
For some forms of procurement, the technical approval process would typically be
completed before tenders for carrying out the construction work required by the design
are invited. For other forms of procurement, where the design has not been completed
prior to inviting tenders, the technical approval process would typically only be partially
completed prior to or during the tender period. Submission of a structure design
statement would usually take place following award of contract.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–6

A2.7 Building code All new building work in New Zealand must comply with the Building code(3). The design
requirements and construction or alteration of all highway structures that are buildings under the terms
of the Building Act 2004 shall thus comply with the Building code(3). Design firms and
constructors are likely to be required to demonstrate compliance with the Building code(3)
on behalf of the Transport Agency through the building consent process (see
Understanding the building consent process(4) for general details).
Technical approval should be considered as separate to the requirements of the Building
Act 2004. It is however anticipated that the documents required by the technical
approval process will assist in demonstrating compliance with the Building code(3).

A2.8 Design review Details of the design review requirements for designs are given in A4.7. Requirements
requirements for the peer review of structure options reports and structure design statements shall be
detailed in the contract documentation for the scheme.

A2.9 Departures Design firms may seek to introduce cost savings, innovative techniques, research findings
from standards or developments in the state of the art by the adoption of departures from standards.
All applications for departures shall be subject to the approval procedures of the Transport
Agency and details of the proposed departures together with reasons and justification,
including benefits to the Transport Agency, shall be submitted for consideration.

A2.10 Evaluation In general the evaluation of load carrying capacity of existing structures and related
and related construction work such as demolition, repair, renewal, refurbishment and strengthening
construction work work that affects structural integrity should follow the same technical approval process
and be categorised on the same basis that the original structure would have warranted.

A3 Requirements for project feasibility and detailed business case

A3.1 Project Generally the early feasibility stages of a highway project (the indicative business case)
feasibility will have no specific requirements for structures technical approval. Scoping of the
project at this stage will develop an understanding of the existing environment and
transport and functional requirements of the structure.
Where required to support an indicative business case, preliminary structure options reports,
as detailed in A3.2, in so far as knowledge of the site constraints permit, shall be provided.

A3.2 Detailed A detailed business case will generally be undertaken to establish the need,
business case requirements and constraints on construction of a highway scheme. The detailed
business case may address a length of highway or it may refer only to a particular
structure. The detailed business case shall include preliminary structure options reports
unless specifically excluded.
The detailed business case will generally establish preferred geometry for the alignment,
define roadway and footpath widths (if any), and identify specific matters to be
addressed during the design. It may be based on limited site investigations, where
unknown geological conditions might influence the feasibility of scheme options. Where
appropriate, it will include input from other authorities such as a regional authority.
Where preliminary structure options reports are not produced during the detailed
business case, any constraints to structure design options that are identified shall be
summarised in the business case for implementation for the scheme, for reference
during subsequent stages of design development.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–7

A3.3 Preliminary Preliminary structure options reports shall consist of the following sections as detailed in
structure options the model document included in annex A1:
report • Introduction
• Factors influencing design
• Design options (for each option)
• Description of preferred structural option
• Drawings and documents.
The preliminary structure options reports may be based on limited information. The
inputs shall be consistent with the scale of the project. Any significant issues requiring
further investigations shall be highlighted.
A preliminary structure options report may cover multiple structures for a project.

A4 Requirements for design and project documentation

A4.1 General During this pre-implementation stage the design of an approved option for a highway
scheme will be undertaken. This may either be a complete detailed design or the
development of a specimen design that is subsequently followed by a detailed design by
a contractor’s design firm under a separate contract.
Initially, structure options reports will be developed to identify the recommended
options that are either to be continued to detailed design or presented as a specimen
design. Once these options have been accepted by the Transport Agency, and prior to
the commencement of detailed design, a structure design statement will be developed
for each structure providing full details of the proposed structure and how it will be
designed and constructed.
The recommended option, once accepted, may sometimes be used for the purpose of
obtaining project resource consents before detailed design is completed.

A4.2 Structure Structure options reports, shall build on the information presented in the preliminary
options report structure options reports. They shall consist of the following sections as detailed in the
model document included in annex A1:
• Introduction
• Factors influencing design
• Design options
• Description of proposed structure (preliminary details)
• Proposed design requirements and standards
• Geotechnical conditions (preliminary)
• Drawings and documents.
An estimate of cost shall be given for each option showing the total cost and for bridges
the cost per m² of overall deck area. The date of the estimate for each option shall be
stated. For the purpose of economic comparison between options, including any differ-
ences in the approaches, the requirements of the Transport Agency’s Economic
evaluation manual(5) shall be met, and shall include consideration of future maintenance
costs.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–8

A4.2 continued An option shall be recommended for final design or specimen design with supporting
justification provided. This shall be the design that is the most appropriate solution and
gives the best value for money, taking account of direct construction and maintenance
costs, as well as the benefits in terms of the Transport Agency’s reputation, easing of
any consent processes and the quality of the public environment. This is not necessarily
the cheapest option. The design firm shall also recommend such further investigation as
is considered necessary for completion of the final design.
The recommended option shall be shown on the drawings. Other options considered
may also be shown in less detail. The drawings of the recommended option shall include
a plan, elevation and cross-section of the structure and for bridges shall show all
relevant geometric, traffic clearances (as appropriate), hydrological (as appropriate),
foundation, structural layout, and side protection data. Seismic design features,
materials, finishes, and features important to the structure’s urban design performance,
shall be identified. A locality plan shall also be included.
For some methods of procurement of the physical works, such as design and construct, a
structure options report will present the proposed specimen design solution and
recommendations for inclusion in the principal’s requirements. In such instances the
structure options report need only be an abbreviated document as it will not be a
proposed design that is being put forward, rather a set of design requirements.
A structure options report may cover multiple structures for a project.

A4.3 Principal’s Where the method of procurement of the physical works is such that principal’s
requirements requirements are required, they shall be developed in accordance with the requirements
set out in the contract documentation for the scheme. In addition to specifying the
technical standards and performance requirements to be met, the principal’s requirements
shall reflect all factors affecting the design of the specimen design as stated in the
structure options report. To the extent conceivable by the design firm, factors affecting the
design should also be set out for possible alternatives from the specimen design that
tenderers for the contract could be likely to offer.

A4.4 Tender For design and construct contracts each tendering contractor shall include for each
submission report structure of category 1, 2 or 3 a structure options report for the contractor’s conceptual
for design and design as part of the tender submission report.
construct contracts
The structure options report need only be an abbreviated document addressing the
following sections as detailed in the model document included in annex A1:
• Description of proposed structure (preliminary details)
• Proposed design requirements and standards
• Geotechnical conditions (preliminary)
• Drawings and documents.

A4.5 Structure For the option accepted for detailed design, a structure design statement shall be
design statement produced before commencement of detailed design that provides sufficient data to
permit a full review of the proposal. It shall encompass the complete structure, including
all supporting structure and all works on which the structure relies for its integrity. For
bridges, this includes the adjacent approach earthworks and natural ground, bridge site
ground improvement works to mitigate liquefaction or instability, and scour protection
works.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–9

A4.5 continued Generally a structure design statement shall be submitted for each structure. However,
where several similar category 3 structures occur in a project, with the agreement of the
Transport Agency, a single structure design statement may be used.
The time taken to complete technical approval will vary according to the size and
complexity of the structure and number of departures. To avoid any unnecessary delay,
technical approval may be given in stages through the use of an interim structure design
statement as details are evolved and agreed. However the use of an interim structure
design statement will not be allowed to prejudice the agreement of a structure design
statement for the full structure.
The structure design statement shall include the following sections as detailed in the
model document included in annex A1:
• Introduction and description of the proposed structure
• Proposed design details (satisfying requirements related to form, function and
durability)
• Structural analysis and design
• Design process matters
• Geotechnical conditions
• Drawings and documents.
For structures that are expected to have a significant visual impact on their environment,
or are to be integrated within an existing urban environment, perspective drawings, a
photomontage or a scale model shall be provided, which describe the structure in situ.
An outline of how the construction is to be checked for compliance, highlighting head
design firm monitoring and quality control inspection and checking requirements shall
be provided.
Where an alternative to a fully detailed conforming design is proposed by the contractor
during tendering, the structure design statement for the conforming design shall be
updated to compare the alternative design with the conforming design.
For design and construct, early contractor involvement (ECI) and alliance contracts the
structure design statement shall include:
• A summary of the design firm’s interpretation of the principal’s requirements for the
physical deliverables, methodology and standards.
• A description of how the proposed design addresses the principal’s requirements.

A4.6 Reference Documents relevant to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the
document schedule structure shall be listed in a reference document schedule to be included in the structure
design statement. In some forms of contract, such as design and construct, these may
be contained in the contract requirements. The reference document schedule will
normally include the Transport Agency’s Bridge manual(2), this Highway structures design
guide and other supplementary standards for specific project requirements.

A4.7 Design review As a minimum, designs and drawings shall be design reviewed as follows:
requirements
a. Categories 3 and 4 require a design review to be undertaken by a checker competent
in the area being reviewed, who may work in the same company and in the same
office, but is not involved in the design. The design review may be part of the internal
design verification.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–10

A4.7 continued b. Category 2 requires a design review to be undertaken by a checker who is

professionally independent of the individuals (working either for the design firm or
where relevant the contractor) responsible for the design. The review may be
undertaken by subsidiary company, or different office of the same company.
However the design review certificate must be signed by a different individual to that
who signs the design certificate and the checker and his team must have had no
involvement in the design or design verification.
c. Category 1 requires a design review to be undertaken by a checker who is
independent of (has no professional or financial interest in) the design firm and
where relevant the contractor and their associated companies. The review may not
be carried out by a subsidiary company or different office of the same company. The
checker shall have the expertise and experience appropriate for the complexity of a
category 1 structure.
Where for building consent purposes a design review producer statement (PS2) is
required to be provided by a different design firm to that providing the design producer
statement (PS1), the checker will need to be wholly independent of the design firm.
The design review firm shall carry out a comprehensive examination of all aspects of the
design and shall ensure that it complies with the Transport Agency’s requirements as set
out in an accepted structure design statement. The design review firm shall ensure that the
design is translated accurately into design details, drawings and specification clauses.
The design review firm’s analytical work shall be independent of that of the design firm and
carried out without exchange of calculation sheets or similar information between the
design firm and the design review firm.
The method of analysis employed by the respective teams need not be the same but the
design firm and the design review firm should consult with each other during the course of
their work to ensure that the results they are obtaining are comparable.
All design review firms shall follow the certification requirements of A5, regardless of the
category of the structures reviewed.
Consenting authorities may require more independent design reviews to satisfy their
requirements for building consent. The Transport Agency will generally accept such
requirements in order to prevent any duplication of reviews.

A4.8 Construction Unless otherwise indicated in the contract documentation for the scheme, a proposed
review level of construction contract management and surveillance shall be determined using
requirements table A4(i) in appendix 4 of the ACENZ/IPENZ Guideline on the briefing and engagement for
consulting engineering services(6) and detailed in the structure design statement.

A5 Certification requirements

A5.1 Design On completion of the final design for a structure, and before construction, the design
certification firm and design review firm shall certify to the Transport Agency that the design
complies with the Transport Agency’s requirements as detailed in the relevant structure
design statement (for category 1 to 3 structures) or the Transport Agency’s standards or
specifications (for category 4 and uncategorised structures) and any subsequent
amendments agreed with the Transport Agency.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–11

A5.2 Construction On completion of the construction for a structure, the contractor and construction review
certification firm shall certify to the Transport Agency that the construction complies with the design
and any subsequent amendments agreed with the Transport Agency.

A5.3 Model Certificates shall be signed to certify the satisfactory completion of the work involved
certificates and that the organisations concerned have exercised due professional skill and care.
Model certificates are contained in annex A2. They can also be found in the relevant
sections of the State highway construction contract proforma manual(7). However, the wording
may vary depending on the Transport Agency’s particular requirements/type of contract.
Representatives of the design firm, design review firm, contractor and construction
review firm shall sign each certificate as appropriate. All signatories to the certificates
shall be competent in the field of work undertaken; have relevant experience and
appropriate engineering qualifications, which shall be clearly indicated on the certificate
along with their name and position in their organisation; and shall be authorised to sign
the certificate on behalf of their organisation.

A5.3 continued Certificates that will typically be required are:

• Design and design review certificate (for use with category 3 and 4 structures only)
• Design certificate
• Design review certificate
• Construction certificate
• Construction review certificate.
Generally certificates shall be submitted for each structure. However, where several
similar category 3, 4 or uncategorised structures occur in a project, with the agreement
of the Transport Agency, a single certificate may be used.

A5.4 Building Where required the relevant building consents, code compliance certificates, and
consent certificates for public use (if used), shall be obtained by the design firm or contractor, on
requirements behalf of the Transport Agency, from the building consent authority.
In order to satisfy the building consent authority that the structure complies with the
Building code(3) producer statements, in addition to the certificates that are required
herein, are likely to be required. Copies of all submissions and the consents received
shall be provided to the Transport Agency.
Note that an exemption of the requirement to obtain building consent and code
compliance granted by the building consent authority does not constitute an exemption
of the need to comply with the Building code(3).

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–12

A6 Category of structures

A6.1 Category As described in A2.2 structures subject to technical approval shall be placed in one of
four categories. Slopes affecting structures shall be categorised as for the structure. The
following criteria shall be considered when determining category:
Category 4:
Simple structures, which conform to the Transport Agency’s Bridge manual(2) or
Transport Agency standard specifications and contain no departures, provided they also
conform to one of the following:
a. critical small culvert with a total clear opening (waterway area) less than or equal to
3.4m²
b. noise walls less than 2.5m high and without overhangs
c. fence greater than 2.5m in height
d. lighting columns within the scope of NZTA M26(8)
e. CCTV masts of less than or equal to 15m height
f. cantilever masts for traffic signals and/or speed cameras:
– less than 8.5m height
– with cantilever projection less than 8.5m
– with any horizontal projected area suspended above the carriageway not
exceeding 1.2m² or vertical projected area not exceeding 0.3m²
g. other mast structures that are less than 10m in height and where the horizontal arm
projection is less than 3m
h. highway signs
– small signs (with panel area less than or equal to 4.7m²) on posts that are more
than 7m in height but less than 12m in height
– large signs (with panel area greater than 4.7m²) on posts that are less than 12m in
height
i. earth slopes not affecting bridges within the parameters of route importance level 1
in accordance with table 2.3 of the Bridge manual(2).
Category 3:
Simple structures, other than those in category 4, which conform in all aspects of design
and construction to the Transport Agency’s Bridge manual(2) and Transport Agency
standard specifications and contain no departures, provided they also conform to one of
the following:
a. bridges with a single simply supported span of less than 20m and having less than
25° skew
b. buried concrete box, buried rigid pipes and corrugated metal buried structures with
less than 8m clear span
c. earth retaining structures with an effective retained height of 1.5m or greater but less
than 5m
d. critical river and coastal protection works that are less than 5m in height
e. noise walls 2.5m or more in height or with overhangs

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–13

A6.1 continued f. lighting columns outside the scope of NZTA M26(8)

g. CCTV masts not within the parameters of category 4
h. cantilever masts for traffic signals and/or speed cameras not within the parameters
of category 4
i. portal and cantilever sign and or signal gantries with a span of less than 20m
j. other mast structures that are more than 10m in height but less than 25m in height,
or where the horizontal arm projection is more than 3m
k. highway signs on posts that are 12m or more in height
l. earth slopes not affecting bridges within the parameters of route importance level 2
in accordance with table 2.3 of the Bridge manual(2).
Category 2:
Intermediate structures, not within the parameters of categories 1, 3 or 4. These include:
a. bridges with any of the following features, unless considered a category 1 structure:
– a single simply supported span 20m or greater but less than or equal to 50m
– multiple simply supported or continuous spans, all of which are less than or equal
to 50m
– a skew of 25° or greater but less than or equal to 45°
– the superstructure is integral with the piers
b. buried concrete box, buried rigid pipes and corrugated metal buried structures with
clear span of 8m or greater
c. overhead crossing of a state highway, including footbridge and cycle bridge, unless
considered a category 1 structure
d. earth retaining structures with an effective retained height of 5m or greater but less
than 14m
e. critical river and coastal protection works that are 5m or more in height
f. portal and cantilever sign or signal gantries with a span of 20m or greater
g. mast structures that are 25m or more in height
h. earth slopes not affecting bridges within the parameters of route importance level 3
in accordance with table 2.3 of the Bridge manual(2).
Category 1:
Complex structures, which require out of the ordinary sophisticated analysis or with any
one of the following features:
a. high structural redundancy, highly structurally indeterminate
b. unconventional, novel or esoteric design aspects
c. any span exceeding 50m
d. skew exceeding 45°
e. curved bridges where the curvature requires specific analysis
f. bridges where any continuous length of superstructure between movement joints
exceeds 200m
g. difficult foundation problems, including where prone to liquefaction

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–14

A6.1 continued h. moveable bridges

i. bridges with suspension systems
j. steel orthotropic decks
k. earth retaining structures with an effective retained height of 14m or greater
l. earth slopes not affecting bridges within the parameters of route importance level 4
in accordance with table 2.3 of the Bridge manual(2).

A6.2 Uncategorised As described in A2.2 simple structures that do not require building consent and are not
structures subject to technical approval, but remain subject to certification requirements are
considered as ‘uncategorised’ structures. These include:
a. non-critical small culverts with a total clear opening (waterway area) less than or
equal to 3.4m²
b. earth retaining structures with an effective retained height of less than 1.5m
c. non-critical river and coastal protection works
d. fences less than or equal to 2.5m in height
e. small signs (with panel area less than or equal to 4.7m²) on posts that are less than
or equal to 7m in height

A7 References

(1) Highways Agency (2012) BD 2/12 Technical approval of highway structures. TSO,
London, United Kingdom. Use of this information is licensed under the terms of
the Open Government Licence
<www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/>.
(2) NZ Transport Agency (2013) SP/M/022 Bridge manual (3rd edition). Wellington.
(3) Parliamentary Counsel Office (1992) Building Regulations 1992. Schedule 1 The
building code. Wellington.
(4) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Understanding the building consent
process. Last accessed 9 May 2016.
<www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/obtaining-a-building-
consent/apply-for-building-consent/building-consent-process/>
(5) NZ Transport Agency (2013) Economic evaluation manual. Wellington.
(6) ACENZ/IPENZ (2004) Guideline on the briefing and engagement for consulting
engineering services. Last accessed 9 May 2016.
<http://www.acenz.org.nz/uploads/Client/Guideline on the Briefing and
Engagement for Consulting Engineering Services-1st Edition 2004.pdf>
(7) NZ Transport Agency (2015) State highway construction contract proforma manual
(SM031). Wellington.
(8) NZ Transport Agency (2012) NZTA M26 Specification for lighting columns.
Wellington.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–15

Annex A1 Model technical approval documents

This annex contains the following model documents that shall be developed in
accordance with this appendix A, unless otherwise specified in the relevant contract
documentation:
• Preliminary structure options report
• Structure options report
• Structure design statement

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–16

PRELIMINARY STRUCTURE OPTIONS REPORT

Name of project ............................................................................

Name of bridge or structure ............................................................................
Location ............................................................................

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Reasons for the construction of the structure
1.2 General site description
2. FACTORS INFLUENCING DESIGN 1
2.1 Service requirements (function) 2
2.2 Foundation (subsurface) conditions
2.3 Urban design considerations 3
2.4 Geometrics (vertical and horizontal alignment)
2.5 Hydrology
2.6 Constraints on span arrangement and clearances
2.7 Constraints on construction methods
2.8 Constraints on construction materials
2.9 Interaction of construction with traffic flows
2.10 Site seismic hazard 4
2.11 Environmental considerations and constraints
3. DESIGN OPTIONS (for each option)
3.1 Structural forms and modes of behaviour
3.2 How the design addresses the factors influencing the design
3.3 Likely methods of construction
3.4 Construction materials and durability
3.5 Cost estimates 5
4. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STRUCTURAL OPTION (PRELIMINARY)
4.1 Description of structure option 6
4.2 Structural type 7
4.3 Span arrangements
4.4 Foundation type
4.5 Proposed arrangements for construction 8
4.6 Risks and hazards considered 9
4.7 Estimated costs of proposed structure option
4.8 Recommended design requirements and standards 10
5. DRAWINGS AND DOCUMENTS
5.1 Drawings and documents accompanying the preliminary structure options report 11

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–17

6. SUBMISSION AND ACCEPTANCE

6.1 Submitted to the NZ Transport Agency for acceptance:
Signed
Name
Engineering Qualifications
Name of organisation
Date
6.2 Accepted/Rejected on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency subject to the amendments and
conditions below:
Signed
Name
Position held
Date
Amendments/conditions

Notes
1. Significant factors that affect the design shall be discussed, including those listed
2. eg type of highway, permitted traffic speed, traffic volume, pedestrians, cyclists, utilities to be provided for
3. Include the influence of urban design on the structure and its environs (refer section 2.6.3 of the Bridge manual)
4. Include subsoil conditions, and the potential for site instability or liquefaction
5. Include consideration of future maintenance costs
6. Describe the proposed structure including details in respect to the urban design of the structure and its environs
7. Proposed details relevant to the structural behaviour, including details related to the provision of seismic resistance, accommodation of
thermal and settlement effects, and articulation of the structure
8. The construction methodology and traffic management to be adopted including details of any interface with existing structures
9. A summary of a risk analysis and of special features of the design that are critical to its success and/or that require special attention
during construction. List only risks and hazards that would not be apparent to an experienced and competent contractor
10. The recommended design standards and requirements are those that directly impact on cost – for example geometric standards,
provision for major services, importance level, liquefaction mitigation etc.
11. Include, without limitation:
a) General arrangement drawing
b) Relevant correspondence and documents from consultations

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–18

STRUCTURE OPTIONS REPORT

Name of project ............................................................................

Name of bridge or structure ............................................................................
Location ............................................................................

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Reasons for the construction of the structure
1.2 General site description
2. FACTORS INFLUENCING DESIGN 1
2.1 Service requirements (function) 2
2.2 Urban design considerations 3
2.3 Geometrics (vertical and horizontal alignment)
2.4 Hydrology including climate change effects 4
2.5 Foundation (subsurface) conditions
2.6 Site stability and liquefaction risk
2.7 Constraints on span arrangement and clearances
2.8 Constraints on construction methods
2.9 Constraints on construction materials
2.10 Interaction of construction with traffic flows
2.11 Site seismic hazard 5
2.12 Environmental considerations and constraints
2.13 Side protection requirements
2.14 Exposure to potential vehicle or train collision 6
2.15 Access for inspection and maintenance
2.16 Any territorial authority requirements additional to the requirements of the NZ Transport Agency
3. DESIGN OPTIONS (for each option)
3.1 Structural forms and modes of behaviour
3.2 How the design addresses the factors influencing the design
3.3 Likely methods of construction
3.4 Construction materials and durability
3.5 Tolerance of the structure to overloading under critical load conditions
3.6 Tolerance of the structure to seismic effects, including liquefaction 7
3.7 Maintenance requirements
3.8 Cost estimates 8
4. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED STRUCTURE (preliminary details) 9
4.1 Description of structure and design working life 10
4.2 Structural type 11
4.3 Span arrangements
4.4 Articulation arrangements 12
4.5 Foundation type

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–19

4. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED STRUCTURE (preliminary details) continued

4.6 Proposed form of any bridge side protection
4.7 Structure drainage and disposal of stormwater
4.8 Provisions for services 13
4.9 Proposed form of any collision protection
4.10 Proposed mitigation of any scour or waterway issues
4.11 Provisions for climate change
4.12 Materials and finishes 14, 15
4.13 Durability and maintenance requirements 16
4.14 Proposed arrangements for inspection and maintenance, including provisions for access 17
4.15 Proposed arrangements for construction 18
4.16 Risks and hazards considered 19
4.17 Estimated cost of proposed structure
5. PROPOSED DESIGN REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS 20
5.1 Proposed service requirements (functionality) for the structure
5.2 Proposed departures from the NZ Transport Agency’s standard design requirements and standards
5.3 Proposed augmentation of the NZ Transport Agency’s standard design requirements and
standards
5.4 Proposed clarification of the NZ Transport Agency’s standard design requirements and standards 21
5.5 Proposed constraints to be put upon the contractor’s design 22
6. GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS (preliminary)
6.1 Extent of geotechnical investigations undertaken and proposed
6.2 Description of the strata in which the structure and its approaches will found
6.3 Indication of the potential range of differential settlement anticipated under static and seismic
loading
6.4 Indication of the potential range of anticipated lateral ground movements or vertical settlements
due to embankment loading under static and seismic loading etc
6.5 Categorisation of the site subsoil conditions for earthquake loading derivation
6.6 Identification of the risk, consequences, and mitigation of earthquake-induced liquefaction and
lateral spread 23
7. DRAWINGS AND DOCUMENTS
7.1 Drawings and documents accompanying the structure options report 24
8. SUBMISSION AND ACCEPTANCE
8.1 Submitted to the NZ Transport Agency for acceptance:
Signed
Name
Engineering qualifications
Name of organisation
Date

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–20

8.2 Accepted/Rejected on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency subject to the amendments and
conditions below:
Signed
Name
Position held
Date
Amendments/conditions
Notes
1. All significant factors that affect the design shall be discussed, including those listed
2. eg type of highway, permitted traffic speed, traffic volume, pedestrians, cyclists, utilities to be provided for
3. Include the influence of urban design on the structure and its environs (refer section 2.6.3 of the Bridge manual)
4. In terms of the influence on the intensity and frequency of precipitation and sea level for bridges and culverts serving at waterways, sea
coast and estuarine sites
5. Include subsoil conditions, and the potential for site instability or liquefaction
6. For a bridge over a road or railway, the exposure to potential vehicle or train collision with the bridge supports or superstructure
7. Consider options for liquefaction effect mitigation and address the cost effectiveness and structural performance of the options
8. Include consideration of future maintenance costs
9. For carrying forward to detailed design or specimen design as may be appropriate
10. Describe the proposed structure including details in respect to the urban design of the structure and its environs
11. Proposed details relevant to the structural behaviour, including details related to the provision of seismic resistance, accommodation of
thermal and settlement effects, and articulation of the structure
12. The form proposed for such items as bearings, deck joints, load limiting devices (eg knock-off elements), energy dissipation devices and
shock load transfer devices
13. Include provisions to be made for any services, structures, signs, or poles to be attached to the bridge
14. Materials design parameters (density, strength, modulus of elasticity, coefficients of shrinkage, creep and thermal expansion etc as
relevant) for the materials proposed to be adopted
15. Surface finishes to be adopted or applied to the structure, including concrete surface finishes, steel corrosion protection systems,
aesthetic textured finishes or coloured coatings, and anti-graffiti coatings
16. eg corrosion protection systems, use or elimination of deck joints and bearings, and time to first maintenance of details and elements
expected to require maintenance
17. Procedures to be adopted for the maintenance and/or replacement of elements expected to require maintenance or replacement within
the design working life of the structure, in particular in respect to deck joints and bearings
18. The construction methodology and traffic management to be adopted including details of any interface with existing structures
19. A summary of a risk analysis and of special features of the design that are critical to its success and/or that require special attention
during construction. List only risks and hazards that would not be apparent to an experienced and competent contractor
20. For detailed design or for incorporation into principal’s requirements
21. Should include those areas where the NZ Transport Agency’s design documents require ‘consideration’ of a factor influencing design
22. For the case of design by others
23. Include predictions of behaviour under earthquake events which are both less and more severe than the design event (refer section 5.1.2
of the Bridge manual)
24. Include, without limitation:
a) General arrangement drawing
b) Departures from standards
c) Methods of dealing with aspects not covered by standards
d) Relevant correspondence and documents from consultations

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–21

STRUCTURE DESIGN STATEMENT

Name of project ...........................................................................

Name of bridge or structure ...........................................................................
Location ...........................................................................

1. INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED STRUCTURE

1.1 Reasons for the construction of the structure and service requirements (function)
1.2 General site description, including subsurface conditions
1.3 Description of structure, including vertical and horizontal alignment
1.4 Structural type or form, including load paths 1
1.5 Span arrangements
1.6 Articulation arrangements 2
1.7 Pier type
1.8 Abutment type (including settlement slab provisions)
1.9 Foundation type
1.10 Approach type
1.11 Ground stabilisation
2. PROPOSED DESIGN DETAILS (satisfying requirements related to form, function and durability)
2.1 Urban design assessment and features
2.2 Cross section
2.3 Form of any bridge side protection 3
2.4 Surfacing
2.5 Structure drainage and disposal of stormwater
2.6 Provisions for services 4
2.7 Lighting
2.8 Signage
2.9 Heavy, high or overwidth load route requirements
2.10 Vertical and horizontal clearances to bridged obstacle
2.11 Form of any substructure and superstructure collision protection
2.12 Tolerance of the structure to overloading under critical load conditions
2.13 Tolerance of the structure to seismic effects, including liquefaction
2.14 Mitigation of any scour or waterway issues
2.15 Provisions for climate change
2.16 Design working life
2.17 Materials and finishes 5, 6
2.18 Durability and maintenance requirements 7
2.19 Road joints and bearings, including provision for replacement
2.20 Proposed arrangements for inspection and maintenance, including provisions for access 8
2.21 Anti-vandal and security provisions, graffiti protection
2.22 Proposed arrangements and methodology for construction 9

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–22

3. STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1 List of standards and other design documents to be used in the design
3.2 Loading and load combinations
3.2.1 Permanent loading 10
3.2.2 Snow, wind, thermal and flood loading
3.2.3 ULS earthquake hazard spectra and the design displacement ductility factor
3.2.4 Earth loads
3.2.5 Settlements
3.2.6 Loading relating to normal traffic 11
3.2.7 Loading relating to overweight traffic 12
3.2.8 Traffic fatigue loading
3.2.9 Footway or footbridge live loading
3.2.10 Loading relating to exceptional abnormal loads or indivisible loads 13
3.2.11 Accidental loading
3.2.12 Collision loading
3.2.13 Construction loading 14
3.2.14 Load combinations
3.2.15 Any special loading not covered above
3.3 Seismic design philosophy and approach 15
3.4 Serviceability criteria 16
3.5 Material parameters to be adopted
3.6 Methods of analysis and design for the superstructure, substructure and foundations 17
3.7 The form of analysis models 18
3.8 Assumptions for calculation of structural stiffness
3.9 Soil parameters and earth pressure coefficients adopted for the modelling of soil-structure
interaction and for design of soil retaining structures
4. DESIGN PROCESS MATTERS
4.1 Differences from previously accepted structural form and details, if any, and why
4.2 Risks and hazards considered 19
4.3 Requirements and standards compliance (including departures) 20
4.4 Special studies
4.5 Design interfaces 21
4.6 Approvals required – authorities consulted and any special conditions required
4.7 Issues requiring resolution
4.8 Resource consent compliance
4.9 Design review – proposed category (if category 1, name of proposed independent design review
firm)
4.10 Proposed level of construction review
4.11 Proposed method of Building code compliance
4.12 Building consent requirements
4.13 Estimated cost of proposed structure (where appropriate) 22

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–23

5. GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS
5.1 Extent of geotechnical investigations undertaken and proposed
5.2 Geotechnical interpretive report recommendations
5.3 Description of the strata in which the structure and its approaches will found and proposed
allowable or limiting bearing pressures for end bearing and lateral bearing, and skin friction on piles
5.4 Identification of the potential range of differential settlement anticipated under static and seismic
loading to be allowed for in design
5.5 Identification of the potential range of anticipated lateral ground movements or vertical
settlements due to embankment loading under static and seismic loading etc, to be allowed for in
the design
5.6 Results of groundwater tests and any counteracting measures proposed
5.7 Categorisation of the site subsoil conditions for earthquake loading derivation
5.8 Identification of the risk, consequences, and mitigation of earthquake-induced liquefaction and
lateral spread 23
6. DRAWINGS AND DOCUMENTS
6.1 Drawings and documents accompanying the structure design statement 24
6.2 Reference document schedule
7. SUBMISSION AND ACCEPTANCE
7.1 Submitted to the NZ Transport Agency for acceptance:
Signed
Name
Engineering qualifications
Name of organisation
Date
7.2 Accepted/Rejected on behalf of the NZ Transport Agency subject to the amendments and
conditions below:
Signed
Name
Position held
Date
Amendments/conditions

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–24

Notes
1. Proposed details relevant to the structural behaviour, including details related to the provision of seismic resistance, accommodation of
thermal and settlement effects, and articulation of the structure
2. The form proposed for such items as bearings, deck joints, load limiting devices (eg knock-off elements), energy dissipation devices and
shock load transfer devices
3. Include details of vehicle barriers, pedestrian barriers, cycle barriers, noise barriers and anti-throw screens
4. Include provisions to be made for any services, structures, signs, or poles to be attached to the bridge
5. Materials design parameters (density, strength, modulus of elasticity, coefficients of shrinkage, creep and thermal expansion etc as
relevant) for the materials proposed to be adopted
6. Surface finishes to be adopted or applied to the structure, including concrete surface finishes, steel corrosion protection systems,
aesthetic textured finishes or coloured coatings, and anti-graffiti coatings
7. eg corrosion protection systems, use or elimination of deck joints and bearings, and time to first maintenance of details and elements
expected to require maintenance
8. Procedures to be adopted for the maintenance and/or replacement of elements expected to require maintenance or replacement within
the design working life of the structure, in particular in respect to deck joints and bearings
9. The construction methodology and traffic management to be adopted including details of any interface with existing structures
10. eg dead loads, post tensioning, creep and shrinkage
11. eg HN loading. Detail lane widths and numbers
12. eg HO loading. Detail loading combinations with normal traffic as appropriate
13. Include the following as applicable:
a) Gross weight of the vehicle in tonnes
b) Axle type, load and spacing (longitudinally and transversely)
c) Location of vehicle track on deck cross-section
14. Include wind and seismic loads appropriate for the construction period
15. Outline how the seismic response is proposed to be resisted, where inelastic behaviour will be designed to occur, how collapse
avoidance will be addressed when dependent on ground stability and how ground induced movements and settlements will be designed
for
16. eg stresses, crack widths, displacements, vibrations
17. Include the forms of analysis to be applied for static loads, seismic response, and vibration and methods for dealing with stage
construction and time dependent effects
18. Include the manner of application of loads
19. A summary of a risk analysis and of special features of the design that are critical to its success and/or that require special attention
during construction. List only risks and hazards that would not be apparent to an experienced and competent contractor
20. Include proposed departures from requirements and standards and proposed methods for dealing with aspects not covered by
requirements and standards (refer to separate summary if appended)
21. Interfaces between the structure in question with other components of the project that need to be coordinated as part of the design
22. Include consideration of future maintenance costs
23. Include predictions of behaviour under earthquake events which are both less and more severe than the design event (refer section 5.1.2
of the Bridge manual)
24. Include, without limitation:
a) General arrangement drawing
b) Relevant extracts from the geotechnical interpretive report
c) Departures from standards
d) Methods of dealing with aspects not covered by standards
e) Relevant correspondence and documents from consultations
f) Special studies and site specific assessments

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–25

Annex A2 Model certificates

This annex contains the following model certificates that shall be used, unless otherwise
specified in the relevant contract documentation, to certify the satisfactory completion
of the work involved and that the organisations concerned have exercised due
professional skill and care:
• For design, design review and construction review where the consultant is employed
by the Transport Agency:
– Design and design review certificate
(for use with category 3 and 4 structures only)
– Design certificate
– Design review certificate
– Construction review certificate
• For design, design review and construction review where the consultant is employed
by the contractor:
– Design and design review certificate (contractor’s design)
(for use with category 3 and 4 structures only)
– Design certificate (contractor’s design)
– Design review (contractor’s design)
– Construction review (contractor’s design)
• For all construction contracts:
– Construction certificate

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–26

DESIGN AND DESIGN REVIEW CERTIFICATE

(for use with category 3 and 4 structures only)

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(design firm)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has been engaged by the NZ Transport Agency to provide design services
(design firm)
in accordance with a contract, titled .........................................................
(the contract)

I ............................................................ a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of

............................................................... confirm that the design and a review of the design have been carried out
(design firm)
with due skill, care and diligence as it relates to:
All of the design / Part only of the design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that the design has been carried out in accordance with the:
standards or specifications listed below (for category 4 structures only); or
structure design statement dated ........................ and addenda dated ........................ listed below (or attached)
(date) (date)
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
and has been accurately translated in drawings and specifications with the unique numbers listed below (or
attached).
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the design firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–27

DESIGN CERTIFICATE

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(design firm)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has been engaged by the NZ Transport Agency to provide design services
(design firm)
in accordance with a contract, titled ........................................................
(the contract)

I ........................................................... a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of

............................................................... confirm that the design has been carried out with due skill, care and
(design firm)
diligence as it relates to:
All of the design / Part only of the design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that the design has been carried out in accordance with the:
standards or specifications listed below (for category 4 and uncategorised structures only); or
structure design statement dated ......................... and addenda dated ......................... listed below (or attached)
(date) (date)
............................................................................................................................................................................................................
and has been accurately translated in drawings and specifications with the unique numbers listed below (or
attached).
............................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the design firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–28

DESIGN REVIEW CERTIFICATE

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(design review firm)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has been engaged by the NZ Transport Agency to review the design
(design review firm)
undertaken in accordance with a contract, titled ...............................................................
(the contract)

I ............................................................ a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of

............................................................... confirm that a category 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 review of the design has been carried
(design review firm) (delete those that are not applicable)
out with due skill, care and diligence as it relates to:
All of the design / Part only of the design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that the design has been carried out in accordance with the:
standards or specifications listed below (for category 4 structures only); or
structure design statement dated ........................ and addenda dated ........................ listed below (or attached)
(date) (date)
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
and has been accurately translated in drawings and specifications with the unique numbers listed below (or
attached).
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the design review firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–29

CONSTRUCTION REVIEW CERTIFICATE

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(construction review firm)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has been engaged by the NZ Transport Agency to provide

(construction review firm)
CM1 / CM2 / CM3 / CM4 / CM5 observation or other ............................................................. services for certain
(delete those that are not applicable) (extent of engagement)
building works undertaken in accordance with a contract, titled ..............................................................
(the contract)

I ........................................................... a suitably qualified professional and duly authorised agent of

............................................................... confirm that reviews of the construction have been carried out with due
(construction review firm)
skill, care and diligence as it relates to:
All of the construction / Part only of the construction as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that these works have been carried out and completed in accordance
with the design as certified in the design certificate dated ........................ and addenda dated ........................
(date) (date)
listed below (or attached) as authorised by the signatory of the design certificate.
............................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified professional and authorised agent of the construction review firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–30

DESIGN AND DESIGN REVIEW CERTIFICATE (CONTRACTOR’S DESIGN)

(for use with category 3 and 4 structures only)

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(contractor)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has contracted to the NZ Transport Agency to carry out and complete
(contractor)
certain building works in accordance with a contract, titled ...............................................................
(the contract).

............................................................... has been employed by the contractor as head design firm for the
(contractor’s head design firm)
contractor’s design in accordance with the contract.
I ............................................................ a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of the
contractor’s head design firm confirm that the contractor’s design and a review of the design have been
carried out with due skill, care and diligence as it relates to:
All of the contractor’s design / Part only of the contractor’s design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that the design has been carried out in accordance with the:
standards or specifications listed below (for category 4 structures only); or
structure design statement dated ........................ and addenda dated ........................ listed below (or attached)
(date) (date)
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
and has been accurately translated in drawings and specifications with the unique numbers listed below (or
attached).
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the design firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

I ............................................................ a duly authorised agent of the contractor confirm on behalf of the

contractor that
a) The contractor’s head design firm named above has contracted with the contractor to act as
contractor’s head design firm;
b) I have been advised in writing by the head design firm that .................................. is competent in the
relevant field(s) of design and is duly authorised to sign this statement as agent and on behalf of the
head design firm;
c) The subcontracting of any part of the contractor's design or the signing of this statement does not
relieve the contractor of any liability or obligation under the contract; and
d) The terms used herein have the same meaning as assigned to them in the contract.
.................................................................................. Date ........................................
(Signature of authorised agent of the contractor)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–31

DESIGN CERTIFICATE (CONTRACTOR’S DESIGN)

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(contractor)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has contracted to the NZ Transport Agency to carry out and complete
(contractor)
certain building works in accordance with a contract, titled ...............................................................
(the contract).

............................................................... has been employed by the contractor as head design firm for the
(contractor’s head design firm)
contractor’s design in accordance with the contract.
I ........................................................... a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of the
contractor’s head design firm confirm that the contractor’s design has been carried out with due skill, care
and diligence as it relates to:
All of the contractor’s design / Part only of the contractor’s design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that the design has been carried out in accordance with the:
standards or specifications listed below (for category 4 and uncategorised structures only); or
structure design statement dated ......................... and addenda dated ......................... listed below (or attached)
(date) (date)
............................................................................................................................................................................................................
and has been accurately translated in drawings and specifications with the unique numbers listed below (or
attached).
............................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the head design firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

I ........................................................... a duly authorised agent of the contractor confirm on behalf of the

contractor that
a) The contractor’s head design firm named above has contracted with the contractor to act as
contractor’s head design firm;
b) I have been advised in writing by the head design firm that ................................. is competent in the
relevant field(s) of design and is duly authorised to sign this statement as agent and on behalf of the
head design firm;
c) The subcontracting of any part of the contractor's design or the signing of this statement does not
relieve the contractor of any liability or obligation under the contract; and
d) The terms used herein have the same meaning as assigned to them in the contract.
.................................................................................. Date ........................................
(Signature of authorised agent of the contractor)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–32

DESIGN REVIEW CERTIFICATE (CONTRACTOR’S DESIGN)

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(contractor)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has contracted to the NZ Transport Agency to carry out and complete
(contractor)
certain building works in accordance with a contract, titled ...............................................................
(the contract).

............................................................... has been employed by the contractor as design review firm for the
(contractor’s design review firm)
contractor’s design in accordance with the contract.
I ............................................................ a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of the
contractor’s design review firm confirm that a category 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 review of the contractor’s design has
(delete those that are not applicable)
been carried out with due skill, care and diligence as it relates to:
All of the contractor’s design / Part only of the contractor’s design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
.................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that the design has been carried out in accordance with the:
standards or specifications listed below (for category 4 structures only); or
structure design statement dated ........................ and addenda dated ........................ listed below (or attached)
(date) (date)
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
and has been accurately translated in drawings and specifications with the unique numbers listed below (or
attached).
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the design review firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

I ............................................................ a duly authorised agent of the contractor confirm on behalf of the

contractor that
a) The contractor’s design review firm named above has been employed by the contractor to act as
reviewer of the contractor's design;
b) I have been advised in writing by the design review firm that ....................................... is competent in
the relevant fields of design and is duly authorised to sign this statement as agent and on behalf of
the design review firm;
c) The subcontracting of any part of the reviewing of the contractor's design or the signing of this
statement does not relieve the contractor of any liability or obligation under the contract; and
d) The terms used herein have the same meaning as assigned to them in the contract.
.................................................................................. Date ........................................
(Signature of authorised agent of the contractor)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
 Page A–33

CONSTRUCTION REVIEW CERTIFICATE (CONTRACTOR’S DESIGN)

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(contractor)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has contracted to the NZ Transport Agency to carry out and complete
(contractor)
certain building works in accordance with a contract, titled ...............................................................
(the contract)

............................................................... has been engaged by the contractor as head design firm for the
(contractor’s head design firm)
contractor’s design in accordance with the contract.
I ........................................................... a suitably qualified design professional and duly authorised agent of the
contractor’s head design firm confirm that reviews of the contractor’s construction have been carried out
with due skill, care and diligence as it relates to:
All of the contractor’s design / Part only of the contractor’s design as described below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
..................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
and I believe on reasonable grounds that these works have been carried out and completed in accordance
with the contractor's design as certified in the design certificate dated ........................ and addenda
(date)
dated ......................... listed below (or attached) as authorised by the signatory of the design certificate.
(date)

............................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................
(Signature of suitably qualified design professional and authorised agent of the head design firm)

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Professional qualifications)

I ........................................................... a duly authorised agent of the contractor confirm on behalf of the

contractor that
a) The contractor’s head design firm named above has been employed by the contractor to act as
contractor’s head design firm;
b) I have been advised in writing by the head design firm that ....................................... is duly authorised
to sign this statement as agent and on behalf of the head design firm;
c) The subcontracting of any part of the contractor's design or the signing of this statement does not
relieve the contractor of any liability or obligation under the contract; and
d) The terms used herein have the same meaning as assigned to them in the contract.
.................................................................................. Date ........................................
(Signature of authorised agent of the contractor)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016
Page A–34

CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE

ISSUED BY: .....................................................................................................................................................................

(contractor)

TO: THE NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY

IN RESPECT OF: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(description of contract works)

AT: .....................................................................................................................................................................
(address)

............................................................... has contracted to the NZ Transport Agency to carry out and complete
(contractor)
certain building works in accordance with a contract, titled ...............................................................
(the contract)

I ......................................................... a duly authorised agent of ........................................................ believe on

(contractor)
reasonable grounds that ........................................................ has carried out and completed
(contractor)

All of the building works / Part only of the building works as specified below:
(delete that which is not applicable)
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................
in accordance with the design as certified in the design certificate dated ...................... and addenda
(date)
dated ........................ listed below (or attached) as authorised by the signatory of the design certificate.
(date)

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................. Date ........................................

(Signature of authorised agent of the contractor)

..................................................................................
(Contractor)

..................................................................................
(Address)

The NZ Transport Agency’s Highway structures design guide

First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from May 2016