Abstract

Between the 2006 and 2014 editions of CSA S6, significant changes were made to the simplified method of analysis (SMA) for all girder bridges, including transverse wood deck on wood girder bridges. The load-distribution predictions became more conservative, resulting in both load-limit posting of existing bridges and increased cost for bridge construction, repair, and replacement. In this paper, we examine the load distribution for the timber bridge inventory in NS. Finite-element models are developed and rigorously validated; a parametric study, consisting of 204 bridges, is performed; current SMA equations are evaluated; and new equations for the truck-load distribution width are derived. The new equations bring SMA predictions of the longitudinal bending moment for transverse wood deck on wood girder bridges into line with currently expected safety-index levels. Corrected bias factors and coefficients of variation for live-load analysis/evaluation in conjunction with CSA S6 are presented.

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