Live load field test on the Muskwa River Bridge

1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Cheung ◽  
M. Y. T. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Load Distribution ◽  
Beam Theory ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Live Load ◽  
Box Girder ◽  
Design Values ◽  
Girder Bridge ◽  
Live Load Distribution ◽  
Theory Calculation

The performance of a steel–concrete composite box-girder bridge is examined through a series of live load field measurements. This paper describes the measurement program and the results obtained, as well as comparisons wherever possible between the observed values and those obtained from beam theory calculations and bridge code equations. It was found that the measured strains were generally much lower than the design values and that for bridges with asymmetrical cross sections, a beam theory calculation using bridge code live load distribution formulas can lead to nonconservative results.

scholarly journals Single-Lane Live Load Distribution Factor for Decked Precast, Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridges

2005 ◽  
Vol 1928 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason L. Millam ◽  
Zhongguo (John) Ma
Keyword(s):  
Prestressed Concrete ◽  
Load Distribution ◽  
Live Load ◽  
Distribution Factor ◽  
Girder Bridges ◽  
Girder Bridge ◽  
Live Load Distribution ◽  
Load Distribution Factor ◽  
Precast Prestressed Concrete ◽  
Bridge System

The live load distribution factor equations provided by AASHTO load and resistance factor design specifications for the decked precast, prestressed concrete (DPPC) girder bridge system do not differentiate between a single-lane or a multilane loaded condition. This practice results in a single-lane load rating penalty for DPPC girder bridges. This paper determines distribution factor equations that accurately predict the distribution factor of the DPPC girder bridge system when it is subjected only to single-lane loading. Eight DPPC girder bridges were instrumented. Each bridge was loaded with a single load vehicle to simulate the single-lane loaded condition. The experimental data were used to calibrate grillage models of the DPPC girder bridge system. The calibrated grillage models were used to conduct a parametric study of the DPPC girder bridge system subjected to a single-lane loaded condition. Four new equations that describe the single-lane loaded distribution factor for both shear and moment forces of these bridges are developed in this paper.

scholarly journals Live-Load Testing Application Using a Wireless Sensor System and Finite-Element Model Analysis of an Integral Abutment Concrete Girder Bridge

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Fausett ◽  
Paul J. Barr ◽  
Marvin W. Halling
Keyword(s):  
Load Distribution ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Live Load ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
Integral Abutment ◽  
Simply Supported ◽  
Live Load Testing ◽  
Girder Bridge ◽  
Live Load Distribution ◽  
Aashto Lrfd

As part of an investigation on the performance of integral abutment bridges, a single-span, integral abutment, prestressed concrete girder bridge near Perry, Utah was instrumented for live-load testing. The live-load test included driving trucks at 2.24 m/s (5 mph) along predetermined load paths and measuring the corresponding strain and deflection. The measured data was used to validate a finite-element model (FEM) of the bridge. The model showed that the integral abutments were behaving as 94% of a fixed-fixed support. Live-load distribution factors were obtained using this validated model and compared to those calculated in accordance to recommended procedures provided in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (2010). The results indicated that if the bridge was considered simply supported, the AASHTO LRFD Specification distribution factors were conservative (in comparison to the FEM results). These conservative distribution factors, along with the initial simply supported design assumption resulted in a very conservative bridge design. In addition, a parametric study was conducted by modifying various bridge properties of the validated bridge model, one at a time, in order to investigate the influence that individual changes in span length, deck thickness, edge distance, skew, and fixity had on live-load distribution. The results showed that the bridge properties with the largest influence on bridge live-load distribution were fixity, skew, and changes in edge distance.

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