Title:
Comparision of Loads Around the World for Design of Highway Bridges
Author(s):
K.S. Rajagopalan
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
26
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
35-48
Keywords:
bending moments; bridges (structures); highway bridges; impact strength; live loads; loads (forces); moving loads; shear properties; spans; standards; structural design
DOI:
10.14359/17971
Date:
1/1/1971
Abstract:
Design live loads for major bridges in eighteen countries are compared by studying their effects on simple spans of 30 to 140 ft. (9 to 42 meters nominal). A very wide diversity in the design load effects such as maximum bending moments and shear forces is noted--the heaviest effect being about two and one-half times that of the lightest. This wide diversity cannot be easilty justified by the normal volumes of traffic loads in these countries. It is hoped a more uniform design load, if specified, will result in economy in some countries and perhaps greater safety in others.