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Chapter 5_3 Bridge Rating methods

lecture note for bridge engineering

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42 views15 pages

Chapter 5_3 Bridge Rating methods

lecture note for bridge engineering

Uploaded by

John Fantahun
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5-3 Bridge Load Rating

Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation

The bridge load rating is a procedure to evaluate the adequacy of various structural components to carry
predetermined live loads. In simple words, it is the determination of the live load-carrying capacity of the
bridge. Load ratings are expressed as a rating factor (RF) or as a tonnage (for legal and permit vehicles) for a
particular vehicle.
Purpose
It helps us to know the ability of the bridge to carry live load for design and allowable legal vehicles,
overloads, and to determine weight postings. Hence, the bridge rating factors can be used to aid in decisions
about the need for:
• Load posting,
• Bridge strengthening,
• Overweight load allowances
• Bridge closers

2
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation

How load rating philosophy is different from bridge design philosophy?


•Bridge design provides a more conservative reliability index and evaluates the structure for
serviceability and durability. HL-93 is the primary loading considered.
•Bridge rating tends to provide a lower reliability index but for a wider range of vehicles. As
the vehicle weights and configuration are more known the live load factors (a measure of
uncertainty) are reduced.
•Bridge design accounts for a larger suite of environmental loads (wind, seismic, etc.) than
bridge load rating. The probability of occurrence of that these will occur at the same time as a
permit or maximum live load is low. Hence, another reason for the lower reliability index.

3
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation

Load rating as per AASHTO LRFRD (Bases for ERA manual)


The LRFRD methodology consists of three distinct levels of evaluation:
• Design load rating
• Legal load rating
• Permit load rating
The result of each evaluation serves a specific purpose and also informs the
need for further evaluations.

4
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation

1. Design load Rating


It is a first-level assessment of bridges. It gives a measure of the performance of the existing bridge to current LRFD bridge design
standards.
Purpose: Design load rating can serve as a screening process to identify bridges that should be load rated for legal loads
There are two levels of the Design Load Rating:
Inventory Rating Level
The Inventory rating level generally corresponds to the rating at the design level of reliability for new bridges in the AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications but reflects the existing bridge and material conditions considering deterioration and loss of section.
Operation Rating Level
Load rating based of the operation rating level generally describes the maximum permissible live load to which the structure may be
subjected. Generally, corresponds to the rating at the Operating level may shorten the life of the bridge
2. Legal Load Rating
This second level rating provides a single safe load capacity (for a given truck configuration) applicable to AASHTO and State legal loads
Purpose: Bridges that do not have sufficient capacity under the design-load rating shall be load rated for legal loads to establish the need
for load posting or strengthening.
3. Permit Load Rating
This third level of rating should only be applied to bridges having sufficient capacity for legal loads. In other words, Permit load rating
should be used only if the bridge has a rating factor greater than 1.0 when evaluated for AASHTO legal loads.
Purpose: Permit load rating checks the safety and serviceability of bridges in the review of permit applications for the passage of vehicles
above the legally established weight limitations.
.

5
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation- ERA manual ( AASHTO based)

6
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation- ERA manual ( AASHTO based)

7
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation- ERA manual ( AASHTO based)

8
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation- ERA manual ( AASHTO based)

9
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation- ERA manual ( AASHTO based)
Application of Bridge Load Rating

10
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation- ERA manual ( AASHTO based)

Process of load rating-ERA manual


The process of load rating can be
understood from the below-shown chart
flow:

11
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation

Application of Load Rating


New Construction
When designing a new structure, it is
required that RF≥1 for the HL-93 vehicle at
the Inventory Level for LRFR load rating
design using Part A; therefore, a Legal Load
Rating will never be required on a newly
designed structure.
Changes in the below category in the
existing bridge:
▪ Live loads
▪ Dead loads
▪ Physical condition
▪ Specifications and Laws

12
Bridge Rating-Strength Evaluation

Bridge Load Rating Softwares


There are several software programs available for live load rating of bridges. Some popular options
include:

LEAP Bridge Rating by Bentley Systems: It is a comprehensive software for load rating of bridge
superstructures and substructures. It supports both AASHTO LRFD and ASD design codes and
provides advanced analysis capabilities.
BRIDGE by Autodesk: Formerly known as Autodesk Structural Bridge Design, this software offers live
load rating capabilities for both highway and railway bridges. It supports various international design
codes and provides a user-friendly interface.
MIDAS Civil: MIDAS Civil software includes live load rating features for bridge structures. It supports
both static and dynamic load rating methods and provides detailed reports and graphics.
CSiBridge by Computers and Structures, Inc.: In addition to its bridge modeling and analysis
capabilities, CSiBridge offers live load rating tools. It supports AASHTO

13
References
1.ERA Bridge Design Manual, 2013 ( AASHTO -2010)
2.ERA Bridge Design Manual, 2002
3.AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Manual
4.Barker, Richard M., and Jay A. Puckett. Design of highway
bridges: An LRFD approach. John Wiley & Sons, 19971st Edition
(Text Book).
5.Barker, Richard M., and Jay A. Puckett. Design of highway
bridges: An LRFD approach. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
6.Chen, Wai-Fah, and Lian Duan, eds. Bridge Engineering
Handbook: Construction and Maintenance. CRC press, 2014.
7.Journal and proceeding articles
8.Other Internet Sources

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