Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
(OP)
Hello,
I am performing a load rating for a bridge and the rating vehicle is a tracked rig. The lateral track spacing and contact area of the tracks is similar to but not the same as an H20 truck. I was going to use the distribution factors in the aashto standard specs, but then I decided to calculate the distribution as if the deck was simply supported between beams. If I calculate the distribution factors as if the deck is simply supported between beams it results in a greater load than if I use the aashto dist. factor. If I calculate the distribution factors as if the deck is simply supported between beams, will this in any way give me a non-conservative distribution factor? Does anyone have experience with distributing this type of live load?
Thanks,
I am performing a load rating for a bridge and the rating vehicle is a tracked rig. The lateral track spacing and contact area of the tracks is similar to but not the same as an H20 truck. I was going to use the distribution factors in the aashto standard specs, but then I decided to calculate the distribution as if the deck was simply supported between beams. If I calculate the distribution factors as if the deck is simply supported between beams it results in a greater load than if I use the aashto dist. factor. If I calculate the distribution factors as if the deck is simply supported between beams, will this in any way give me a non-conservative distribution factor? Does anyone have experience with distributing this type of live load?
Thanks,





RE: Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
Distribution factors are intended to account for the support provided by adjacent members.
You can use the distribution factors in AASHTO. They're not limited to an H20 truck. You could also calculate a factor assuming a continuous beam or plate supported on two edges.
RE: Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
By the way, in Army-speak, a nonstandard bridge is anything that is not a Bailey, MGB (medium girder bridge), or other standard military prefab structure.
RE: Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
On the other hand, why not use the grillage analogy and create a simple computer model which will give you exact distribution?
RE: Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
RE: Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
RE: Laterial Load Distribution for Tracked Vehicles
"Structural engineering is the art of modelling materials we do not wholly understand into shapes we cannot..."...ah...screw it, we don't know what the heck we are doing.