Effect of Continuity on Wheel Load Distribution in Steel Girder Bridges

Abstract

This paper presents the finite-element results of a study of the effect of continuity on wheel load distribution factors for 78 bridges. Typical two-equal-span, two-lane, straight, composite steel girder bridges were selected for this study. Bridge parameters such as span length and girder spacing were varied within practical ranges, and their influence on the bridge continuity was investigated. The selected bridge cross sections and wheel load positions ensured that interior girders carry more live loads than the outside girders. Results of two finite-element modeling techniques were used to predict wheel load distribution factors, which were similar to the results obtained using the new formula developed as a part of NCHRP Project 12-26. They were, in general, less than the values obtained using the current AASHTO formula (