PCI eLearning Course T710: Load Rating—Overview and Methods-PCI Bridge Design Manual

PCI Bridge Design Manual - Section 18.6

Pdf Summary

The chapter discusses bridge load rating using different methods and provides a rating example of a two-lane bridge over a river. The bridge has five spans and is made of prestressed concrete girders. The chapter covers materials and other information such as span length, bridge width, slab thickness, and concrete strength. It also provides section properties of the bridge, including flange width and section modulus.<br /><br />The chapter calculates the dead load, live load, and prestress losses to determine the stresses and strength of the bridge. It presents different load rating methods, including the AASHTO Method and the LRFD Method. The chapter also evaluates the bridge rating for different types of loading, such as routine or annual type permit, limited crossing escorted with no other traffic, and limited crossing mixed with traffic.<br /><br />The chapter concludes with a summary of the ratings obtained for the bridge using different methods. It compares the ratings obtained from the Standard Specifications and the LRFD Specifications. The chapter also references AASHTO publications, including the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, the LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, and the Manual for Bridge Evaluation.<br /><br />Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive guide to bridge load rating and demonstrates the calculations and considerations involved in determining the strength and capacity of a bridge.

Keywords

bridge load rating

methods

two-lane bridge

prestressed concrete girders

materials

span length

concrete strength

load rating

Standard Specifications

LRFD Specifications