PD 6694-1: Recommendations for the Design of Structures Subject to Traffic Loading to EN 1997-1

This paper gives the background to the development of the provisions of PD 6694-1. It gives guidance on the application of PD 6694-1 where it is considered that further explanation may be helpful and identifies recommendations in PD 6694-1 which involve design principles or procedures significantly different from those used in past practice. The paper covers the clauses in the PD 6694-1 relating to actions, spread foundations, buried structures and earth pressure on gravity retaining structures and bridge abutments. Traffic surcharge and integral bridges are covered in detail in companion papers, for which references are provided.