The influence of speed on the dynamic amplification of two loads crossing a simply supported bridge

Abstract

It is possible to use statistical data for the determination of traffic load models for the design of bridges. For existing bridges, traffic simulations based on measured traffic data, can provide a more accurate prediction of the characteristic load effect for assessment purposes. However, this procedure only provides the characteristic static loading or load effect. The total static-plus-dynamic load is often estimated based on conservative factors due to the high degree of uncertainty involved in the dynamic interaction between traffic, road profile and bridge. This paper aims to reduce this uncertainty by using simple dynamic models to obtain an understanding of the speeds and axle spacings that cause the highest dynamic amplifications.