Numerical Approach for the Live Load Distribution in Road Bridges

Abstract

Abstract:The numerical method for computing the live load distribution coefficients in bridge decks is presented. The grillage analogy for representation of bridge decks is adopted in determining the general behavior under traffic loads. The principles of Maxwell's reciprocal theorem are developed in computing live load distribution coefficients and their influence lines. The presented method uses the approach developed in traditional methods of transversal live load distribution but bridge decks are modeled more realistic with the help of well-established grillage analogy. Simple numerical programs for grillage analysis can be used and no special software is needed. While computing the distribution coefficients for a bridge deck the rest of the analysis can be performed with habitual procedures of structural mechanics.

Archives of Civil Engineering

“…Many, well known methods enabling such operation can be found in the literature, e.g. [8][9][10]. For purposes of this study the Guyon-Massonnet method was used [10].…”