Comprehensive benefit analysis of reinforced concrete bridge under different axle load limits

Abstract

Limiting the vehicle load crossing the bridge can improve the safety of the bridge, but the transportation efficiency might be reduced. In order to reasonably evaluate the comprehensive impact of vehicle load limit on bridges, a comprehensive benefit evaluation factor K was defined to analyze the comprehensive benefits of highway bridge transportation under different axle load limits. Firstly, based on WIM data, the random distribution function of total vehicle weight and axle load was fitted, and the loss ratio of transportation benefit before and after limiting the axle load was defined and calculated based on the principle of invariable total vehicle weight. Combined with the random distribution function of the total weight and axle load, Monte-Carlo method was used to simulate the random traffic flow under different load limit levels and calculate the time-varying reliability of typical bridges under different load limit levels. Finally, the evaluation factor K was introduced to evaluate the influence of axle load limit on the comprehensive benefit of highway reinforced cocrete bridges, and reasonable axle load limit suggestions were put forward.