I am analyzing an existing railroad bridge to establish an E-80 load rating. The bridge is two spans of 20-ft each, with steel beams making of the superstructure and concrete abutments and center pier. Bridge was built in the mid-1950s.
When I calculate the current AREMA longitudinal forces, I get a 158 kip load for the whole 40-ft bridge. Do I assume the end abutment resists this entire force using at-rest soil pressure? Can you assume a percentage of the force is transferred off the bridge?
When I calculate the current AREMA longitudinal forces, I get a 158 kip load for the whole 40-ft bridge. Do I assume the end abutment resists this entire force using at-rest soil pressure? Can you assume a percentage of the force is transferred off the bridge?
