Evaluation of AASHTO Live Load and Line Load Distribution Factors for I-Girder Bridge Decks
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 9, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper evaluates the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) line load and live load distribution factors. The standard AASHTO formulas for live load in some cases underestimate the live load moments by as much as 40%. The AASHTO distribution of line loads (dividing the loads equally among all girders) results in even larger underestimates of line load distribution, leading to unsafe designs. This paper shows how more reliable distribution factors can be obtained for line loads, AASHTO truck loads, and non-AASHTO live loads. A user-friendly computer program for calculating distribution factors is discussed. A useful concept for analyzing beams of variable section (equivalent girder) is also discussed.
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References
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American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). ( 1994). Guide specifications for distribution of loads for highway bridges, Washington, D.C.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 9 • Issue 4 • November 2004
Pages: 211 - 215
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 ASCE.
History
Published online: Oct 15, 2004
Published in print: Nov 2004
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