Evaluation of dynamic loads on a skew box girder continuous bridge - Part II: Parametric study and dynamic load factor

Abstract

Studies on dynamic loads are important for bridge engineering as well as pavement design. A large number of research studies have indicated that bridge dynamic loads increase road surface damage by a factor of 2-4. Although the field test is the best available approach to understanding actual vehicle-induced dynamic loads on bridges, according to pervious studies there is only a limited amount of field data available on skew box girder continuous bridges. This paper presents an evaluation of vehicle-induced dynamic loads, based on a field test that was carried out on a skew box girder continuous bridge as reported in a companion paper (Part I). The effects of different parameters such as the weight, speed, type, number of axles and position of vehicles on dynamic loads are investigated. Based on the statistical analysis, the use of the dynamic load factor (DLF) is proposed. The dynamic load factor obtained in this study is less than the values provided by most bridge design codes.