TRAFFIC LOADING OF LONG SPAN BRIDGES

To estimate the traffic loading on long span bridges two independent statistical techniques were developed. One was purely analytical, the other used a computer to generate random "traffic" and calculate the maximum load on the bridge. The two methods gave remarkably similar results. Further research produced not only maximum loads, but also maximum moments and shears. From this work the following results emerge: With a knowledge of the average mix of traffic, a design loading can be estimated with a good degree of confidence using the techniques developed. The loading can be accurately represented by a uniform load and a concentrated load in the traditional manner. Unlike the AASHO loading, one set of uniform and concentrated loads can be used to represent both maximum moment and maximum shear. As expected, the uniform load per foot reduces as the loaded length is increased. Unlike AASHO and previous assumptions, it is found that the concentrated load increases as the loaded length increases. When several lanes are loaded simultaneously they do not, as suggested by AASHTO, all carry the same load. A simple distribution formula has been found. These results have significant implications for the designers of long span bridges; and typical results have been produced for various types of traffic. /Author/

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1978/665v2/665v2-018.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=TRAFFIC+LOADING+OF+LONG+SPAN+BRIDGES&author=P.+Buckland&author=J.+McBryde&author=F.+Navin&author=J.+Zidek&publication_year=1978
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309026970
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appeared in Transportation Research Record No. 665, Bridge Engineering, Volume 2. Proceeding of a conference conducted by the Transportation Research Board, September 25-27, 1978.Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Buckland, Peter G
  • McBryde, John P
  • Navin, Francis P D
  • Zidek, James V
• Conference:
  • Bridge Engineering Conference, 1st, 1978, St Louis, Missouri, USA
  • Location: St Louis Missouri, United States
  • Date: 1978-9-25 to 1978-9-28
• Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 146-154
• Monograph Title: Bridge Engineering. Volume 2
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 665
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridges; Engineering moments; Estimates; Long span bridges; Shear strength; Structural design; Traffic loads
• Old TRIS Terms: Moments
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Freight Transportation; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00183791
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309026970
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Dec 12 1978 12:00AM