TECHNIQUE ENABLES FLATCAR BRIDGES TO ATTAIN HIGHER LOAD RATINGS

Some states are using railroad flatcars in place of slab and girder superstructures for highway bridges on lightly travelled routes. Many agencies, including the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), have opted to construct the flatcar bridges; however, rating procedures of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) are inappropriate for these complex superstructures, leaving agencies to rate these bridges for relatively low loads. This article describes a WYDOT integrated approach to evaluate the flatcar superstructure, which consists of comparing actual live load responses measured in the field to computer generated theoretical responses. Variations in responses are quantified, modelling parameters are modified, calibrated rating loads are applied, and rating factors are calculated. The integrated technique has allowed the posting limits of flatcar bridges to be increased, where appropriate.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/11660022
• Corporate Authors:

  Scranton Gillette Communications

  380 E Northwest Highway, Suite 200
  Des Planes, IL  United States  60016-2282
• Authors:
  • Flynn, L
• Publication Date: 1995-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 42-43
• Serial:
  • Roads & Bridges
  • Volume: 33
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: Scranton Gillette Communications
  • ISSN: 8750-9229
  • Serial URL: http://www.roadsbridges.com/rb/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Field tests; Finite element method; Flat cars; Highway bridges; Live loads; Load limits; Procedures; Ratings; Structural analysis; Structural mechanics; Superstructures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural response
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00712706
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 12 1995 12:00AM