Basics of Structural Design and Load Actions for Bridges according to Eurocode

With the presence of the final version of the Eurocodes and their National Annexes the conversion of the design rules to the Eurocodes can now start in Germany. Practical experience in structural design and construction of bridges with the application of the concept of partial safety factors for Eurocode have already available since 2003 with the adaptation of the codes in the construction of bridges in Germany, to the German codes "DIN-Fachberichte 101 to 104" since these are based on the Eurocodes in the pre-draft version. This paper will give an overview to basics of design and load actions on road bridges. It will show the technical changes to the German code "DIN-Fachbericht 101". One key element is the adaptation of road traffic loads to a higher load level. The inclusion of a predicted traffic volume in the load models for road bridges has the aim of contributions to sustainable transport infrastructure in Germany.