134 Bridge Engineering Handbook, Second Edition: Fundamentals

6.3.4 Load Distribution for Superstructure Design

Superstructures are generally analyzed irst in the longitudinal direction, and then in the transverse
direction. Live load distribution in the longitudinal direction is simply a matter of structural analysis
and is best understood with the aid of inluence lines. Note that, by deinition of the vehicular design live
load, no more than one truck can be in one lane simultaneously, except as previously described to gener-
ate maximum reactions or negative moments. Figure 6.4 summarizes live load distribution for design
of a longitudinal superstructure elementan interior gired. he lever rule is sometimes called for and
implies consideration of the slab between two girders as simply supported. he reaction is determined
by summing the reactions from the slabs on either side of the beam under consideration. Additional

Cable-stayed Suspension Truss, arch Slab

Beam-girder bridges
bridges bridges bridges

No
Refined Refined No. girder 4 Planar Strip method
analysis analysis structure per 4.6.2.3
required. required. Yes per 4.6.2.4.
No
Nonlinear Larger Refined
effects deflection Constant deck width
analysis
included theory per 4.6.3.5,6
required Yes
Beam parallel; No Refined analysis required;
approximate the same put load coefficients on plans
stiffness per 4.6.3.1
Yes
No
Overhang 3 ft

Yes
Yes No
Closed section Is cross section closed Open section
or open?
Yes No Yes
L 2.5 W
No Curvature > Table
4.6.1.2.1-1
May not be analyzed as Single-spine beam
single-spine beam Yes
Yes No Refined analysis required; or put load
Curvature 12
coefficients on plans per 4.6.3.1

Refined analysis required; OK to use load distribution factor tables;

or put load coefficients on plans per Table 4.6.3.3a to 3f for moment;
Table 4.6.2.3a to 3c for shear;
Dynamic load allowance per 3.6.2

Yes No
Does table (above) say to
use lever rule?

Number of design lanes per 3.6.1.1.1 Decimal number of lanes from table (above);
Dynamic load allowance per 3.6.2; Dynamic load allowance per 3.6.2;
Multiple presence per 3.6.1.1.2 Multiple presence always included in factors

FIGURE 6.4 Live load distribution for an interior girder design.