| Abstract | A procedure is developed for the analysis and rating of
existing highway bridges in Thailand. Several tables and
charts were constructed to serve as a means for quick and
accurate determination of maximum moments, equivalents of
H-truck, H-S truck, and concentrated load, and maximum shears
of four common heavy vehicle types on the simple span bridge
of various lengths up to 30 meters. The variations in span
length, wheel base length, number of axles, spacing of axles
and distribution of gross weight among the axles were taken
into consideration. The use of tables is demonstrated by
typical examples of several existing highway bridges, including
slab, girder and prestressed bridges. The slab and girder
bridges were rated by two methods, inventory rating and operating
rating, based on working stress theory and ultimate strength
theory. A short discussion about the posting of load limits
is given. |