No abstract

A dynamic programming (DP) method is presented for analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate bridges subjected to moving loads such as those specified by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications. These loads consist of uniform lane loading, two-axle truck loading and two-axle truck plus one-axle semitrailer loading. The solution of the DP problem is based on the use of influence line diagrams and extremum functions. Recurrence formulae have been developed for various types of AASHTO live loads. The procedure presented in this article is quite general and can be applied to any typc of structures with linear behaviour and any type of moving loads. Six examples are presented: a simply-supported beam, a simply-supported Pratt truss, an arch bridge, a continuous Pratt truss, a continuous frame and a cable-stayed bridge.