Probabilistic traffic load model for short-span city bridges
article
In the coming years numerous existing traffic bridges in cities are subject to re-evaluation. In this paper a new probabilistic traffic load model for short-span bridges is proposed. As an example, site-specific weigh-in-motion data from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is included in the model. The method proposed in this paper allows for a very efficient computation and at the same time takes into account the stochastics in axle loads and distances. For a simply supported 6 m single lane bridge the probabilistic load model provides a design load effect that is slightly lower than currently prescribed EN 1991-2 and the Dutch Guidelines for existing structures NEN 8700 and NEN 8701. This indicates that there is possible potential for a small reduction of the traffic load for short-span city bridges compared to the current standards. However, given the questionable quality of recorded measurements, a more extensive measurement campaign using WIM measurements is needed to get an adequate quantification of the traffic load parameters for city traffic conditions.
TNO Identifier
546168
ISSN
00467316
Source
Heron, 59(2-3), pp. 147-168.
Publisher
Delft University of Technology
Pages
147-168