Preface

This is the fourth edition of CSA S6.1, Commentary on CSA S6-14, Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2006, 2000, and 1990.

Throughout this Commentary, CSA S6-14 is referred to as the "Code". Other Codes are always identified in a manner that allows them to be readily distinguished from the Code.

The purpose of this Commentary is to provide background on the design provisions of the Code and thereby to help designers deal with issues not explicitly addressed in the Code.

Each section and clause in this Commentary bears the number of its corresponding section or clause in the Code, with the addition of the prefix "C". For example, Section C1 provides commentary on Section 1 of the Code, and within Section C1, Clause C1.1.1 provides commentary on Clause 1.1.1 of the Code. The same approach is used in the numbering of annexes. Tables and figures are numbered sequentially (for example, the first table in Section C3 is Table C3.1, which is followed by Table C3.2, etc.). However, they do not correspond to the tables and figures bearing the same numbers (minus the "C") in the Code.

The Code contains many clauses dealing with "Approval", meaning approval in writing by the Regulatory Authority having jurisdiction (see the definitions in Clause 1.3.2 of the Code). Where possible, this Commentary provides guidance for Regulatory Authorities consulting such clauses.