DISTRIBUTION OF WHEEL LOADS ON HIGHWAY BRIDGES

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of research funded by the Transportation Research Board, National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP 12-26). Beam and slab, box girder, multi-box beam, and spread box beam bridges have been included in this study. For each bridge type three levels of analysis are considered. The most accurate level, level 3, involves detailed modeling of the bridge deck. Level 2 includes graphical methods, nomographs, influence surfaces, or simplified computer programs. Level 1 includes simple formulae to predict wheel load distribution factors. A draft specification is also prepared for determination of wheel load distribution factors.