Wheel Load Distribution in I‐Girder Highway Bridges

Abstract

This paper presents finite element analyses and modeling techniques of I‐girder highway bridges. A wheel load distribution formula is developed using the results of finite element analysis, which can be used to calculate the flexural stresses in slab‐on‐girder bridges. A typical bridge design was selected, and one parameter was allowed to vary within practical ranges while the remaining parameters were held constant. The parameters considered were the size and spacing of steel girders, presence of cross bracing, concrete slab thickness, span length, single and continuous spans, and composite and noncomposite behavior. The developed wheel load distribution formula is similar in format to the current AASHTO specifications. The results predicted by the formula are compared with recently published research, which highlighted the importance of span length in calculating the wheel load distribution factors. This paper will assist bridge engineers and researchers in modeling and predicting the actual wheel load distribution in highway bridges.