AASHTO-LRFD Live Load Distribution Specifications
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 5, Issue 2
Abstract
The live load distribution factors contained in the AASHTO-LRFD Bridge Design Specification present a major change to the AASHTO-LFD specifications that have been in effect for more than 50 years. This change has generated some interest in the bridge engineering community and has raised some questions. The AASHTO-LFD formulas are based on the girder spacing only and are usually presented as S/D, where S is the spacing and D is a constant based on the bridge type. This method is applicable to straight and right (i.e., nonskewed) bridges only. The new formulas are more complex and consider more parameters, such as bridge length and slab thickness. It may not be obvious to the engineers what added accuracy and flexibility (e.g., skewed bridges) is gained by the increased complexity. This paper will present the background on the development of the formulas and compare their accuracy with the S/D method. A discussion on the extension of the single girder design (using formulas) to the skewed bridges is also presented.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
AASHTO-LRFD bridge design specifications. (1994). 1st Ed., American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C.
2.
Guide specifications for distribution of loads for highway bridges. (1994). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C.
3.
Powell, G. M., and Buckle, I. G. (1970). “Computer programs for bridge deck analysis.” Rep. No. UC SESM 70-6, University of California, Berkeley, Calif.
4.
Standard specifications for highway bridges. (1996). 16th Ed., American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C.
5.
Zokaie, T., Mish, K. D., and Imbsen, R. A. (1995). “Distribution of wheel loads on highway bridges, phase 3.” NCHRP 12-26/2 Final Rep., National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Washington, D.C.
6.
Zokaie, T., Osterkamp, T. A., and Imbsen, R. A. (1991). “Distribution of wheel loads on highway bridges.” NCHRP 12-26/1 Final Rep., National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Washington, D.C.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 5 • Issue 2 • May 2000
Pages: 131 - 138
History
Received: May 13, 1998
Published online: May 1, 2000
Published in print: May 2000
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.