Evaluation of a Current Vehicle Load Model Using Weigh-in-Motion Records: A Case in China

Authors

  • Zigang Xu Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, No. 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, 100124 Beijing, China
  • Qiang Han Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, No. 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, 100124 Beijing, China
  • Junfeng Jia Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, No. 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, 100124 Beijing, China
  • Zilan Zhong Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, No. 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, 100124 Beijing, China
  • Chao Huang Dept of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, The State University of New York at Buffalo, 12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3846/bjrbe.2016.23

Keywords:

highway bridges, load capacity, statistical analysis, vehicle load model, weigh-in-motion (WIM).

Abstract

In order to assess the vehicle load carrying capacity of existing bridges on the national highway G103 in Beijing, the vehicle load model for the practical traffic flow conditions needs to be determined. Based on the traffic axle load data measured by the weigh-in-motion system and the methods proposed by General Code for Design of Highway Bridges and Culverts (JTG D60-2004) and Code for Design of Highway Reinforced Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Bridges and Culverts (JTG D62-2004), the vehicle load parameters under practical traffic flow conditions are investigated. A typical 6-axle vehicle model with a 2-1-3 axial pattern is proposed by using the statistical analysis of total weight, axial weight, etc. The live load effects of Daliushu No. 2 Bridge, one highway bridge on the national highway G103, are analyzed using the proposed model and compared to the vehicle load model given in the Chinese code. The results show that there are great differences in the vehicle load parameters and the live load effects from the proposed vehicle load model increased by 20–50% compared with the model given by the code. The overweight vehicles are potential threats to the safety of existing bridges.

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Published

27.09.2016

How to Cite

Xu, Z., Han, Q., Jia, J., Zhong, Z., & Huang, C. (2016). Evaluation of a Current Vehicle Load Model Using Weigh-in-Motion Records: A Case in China. The Baltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering, 11(3), 197–204. https://doi.org/10.3846/bjrbe.2016.23