Lateral Load distribution on bridge deck: Traditional methods vs FEM
Lateral Load distribution on bridge deck: Traditional methods vs FEM
(OP)
I posted this matter in another forum Computers and Structures: SAP2000. Until now cant get any response so i am posting here again.
Traditionally the lateral load distribution on bridge deck girders are done by different semi imperical methods mainly based on lever theory. By such methods most of the times we get that the outermost longitudinal girder is loaded more than internal girders.
But when i analyse a bridge deck with slab & girders by FEM software(SAP2000), many times the moment on intermediate girders is more than external girders. This happens when the CG of the moving load is nearer to the intermediate girder.
Is this natural? Or is my FE model wrong?
Please see my thread on forum "Computers and Structures:SAP2000" for more clarification.
Thank you!
Traditionally the lateral load distribution on bridge deck girders are done by different semi imperical methods mainly based on lever theory. By such methods most of the times we get that the outermost longitudinal girder is loaded more than internal girders.
But when i analyse a bridge deck with slab & girders by FEM software(SAP2000), many times the moment on intermediate girders is more than external girders. This happens when the CG of the moving load is nearer to the intermediate girder.
Is this natural? Or is my FE model wrong?
Please see my thread on forum "Computers and Structures:SAP2000" for more clarification.
Thank you!





RE: Lateral Load distribution on bridge deck: Traditional methods vs FEM
Modeling the deck will also have a significant impact on the distribution. I would also recommend modeling wheel lines instead of the CG of a truck/lane.
RE: Lateral Load distribution on bridge deck: Traditional methods vs FEM
Normally for short cantilevers (supporting sidewalks) the envelope of moments is most severe on the first internal beam (the one after the external) under the condition that heavy traffic loads can reach the external.
So probably your analysis is not wrong.
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RE: Lateral Load distribution on bridge deck: Traditional methods vs FEM