Development of Simplified Factors for Lateral Distribution of Loads of Non-Standard Gauge (NSG) Axles

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) uses the Ohio Hauling Permit System (OHPS) to evaluate more than 335,000 permit loads each year. Many of these permits involve non-standard gauge (NSG) axle loads, meaning vehicles with gauge widths not equal to 6 feet. ODOT currently evaluates these vehicles by applying modifiers to AASHTO live load distribution factors prior to running the automated OHPS analysis process. The modifiers are based on historical precedent and are not supported by research. The purpose of this project was to develop more accurate modifiers for NSG axle vehicles. A parametric study was performed that included finite element analysis of 168 typical bridge configurations for 33 NSG axle configurations. Bridge types studied included composite and non-composite prestressed concrete side by side box beam, concrete slab, prestressed concrete I-beam, and steel multi-beam. Analysis results were used to develop a correction factor matrix based on axle gauge and the number of associated wheel lines.

• Record URL:
  https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Reports/Final%20Reports/Final%20Report%20136336.pdf
• Summary URL:
  https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Reports/Final%20Reports/Final%20%20Fact%20Sheet%20136336.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  Burgess & Niple, Inc.

  5085 Reed Rd.
  Columbus, OH  United States  43220

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Office of Statewide Planning and Research
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Butz, Travis
  • Watts, Olya
  • Kochman, Roger
• Publication Date: 2022-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Bibliography; Figures; Illustrations; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 150p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle loads; Bridges; Finite element method; Load transfer; Oversize loads; Parametric analysis
• Identifier Terms: Ohio Department of Transportation
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01877806
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-2022-15, Project ID Number: 114241
• Contract Numbers: 36495
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 28 2023 9:56AM