ABSTRACT
This paper contributes to the development of stochastic traffic load models using Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) data for applying to finite element (FE) analysis. In the proposed method, load effects on a single-span and a double-span bridge resulting from the individual vehicles are calculated, and the stochastic models of double-axle concentrated loads are estimated. In contrast, uniformly distributed loads are modeled with “virtual motorcades.” The motorcades in a span length of the bridges are established using the statistical models of each component of WIM data such as gross vehicle weight and wheelbase. The stochastic models of uniformly distributed loads are estimated from the total vehicle weight constituting the motorcades. Then, as an illustrative case study, the proposed load models are applied to FE analysis. With the proposed traffic load models the actual load condition on existing bridges can be reflected to the reliability analysis, and it allows making less conservative maintenance plans.
