Overload Vehicles Research Articles

Evaluation of Bridge Overloads

The New Mexico overload route system is described. The system has the capability of comparing the capacity of all bridges along any proposed routing of an overload vehicle within the State of New Mexico. If a proposed route does not have the capacity for a given overload, an alternate route can be chosen quickly and easily. This new system utilizes bridge capacity ratings determined by the statewide inventory and inspection program. The system takes an overload wheel configuration and load distribution and computes an equivalent HS loading which is then compared to the stored capacity of each bridge. If a chosen route is inadequate, the program will indicate which structure is inadequate and for what reason. The system saves valuable engineering time, decreases the potential for error, and provides almost immediate answers on overload questions.