Loads on Bridges

Chapter 2 provides a summary of various types of loads to which bridges are subjected, including both permanent and transient loadings. Gravity effects including sources of permanent dead load and traffic-related live load are discussed. Transient traffic-related, environmental, and extreme event loads are included. For earthquake loading, multiple site factor options are presented. This chapter provides a summary of various types of loads to which bridges are subjected, including both permanent and transient loadings. It discusses the gravity effects including sources of permanent dead load and traffic-related live load. The chapter presents the transient traffic-related, environmental, and extreme event loads. It For earthquake loading, multiple site factor options are presented. Bridge loads may be broadly categorized as permanent or transient, with transient loads further divided into three sub-categories: those resulting from traffic, those resulting from environmental sources, and those due to extreme events. DC loads for a typical bridge include the girder self-weight and associated framing, the weight of the concrete deck and haunch, sidewalks, if present, and parapets.