MDX Load ratings vs AASHTOWARE

[bridgebuster]

Is anyone familiar with AAHTOWARE load rating software? We're looking at a project that requires girder strengthening. Early on, we checked them using MDX; everything was fine. Recently, the owner provide AASHTOWARE input files. Wen we ran them, the ratings are typically 20% lower for LRFD and LFD. We didn't see any input discrepancies between MDX & AASHTOWARE. We don't typically use AASHTOWARE. I haven't used MDX directly for many years, although I've always had doubts about it. I was just wondering if anyone has any insights.

 

[BridgeSmith]

What controlled the AASHTOware (BRASS) rating?

What type of girder?

 

[bridgebuster]

The AASHTO ratings were much lower. Continuous steel plate girders.

 

[BridgeSmith]

Were the controlling ratings in flexure, shear, or fatigue (or something else)? If flexure, was it minimum or maximum effects? What span point controlled?