Short-to-medium span bridges

In this chapter, the methods of determining a design or assessment loading for short- to medium-span bridges are examined. The evolution of the current prevalent method based on WIM data is described. The steps in the method are explained in detail: processing WIM data, the generation of artificial traffic streams, the calculation of load effects, consideration of dynamic interaction, and the statistical predication of extreme values. Guidance on each of these aspects for implementation in practice and research is given. Much previous research is brought together to answer the question on when congested traffic begins to govern. Finally, the chapter ends with some recommendations for the development of future notional load models.