ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The bridge over Martins Branch Creek on route KY 220 in Hardin County, Kentucky, is 7.47 m (24’ 8”) in length and 6.4 m (21’) in width. The bridge was constructed in 1935. The construction of the bridge includes six W18×50 girders with a 178mm (7”) non-composite concrete deck. All the steel beams are spaced 1.22 m (4’) apart. This paper evaluates the maximum load carrying capacity of the KY 220 Bridge under different truck types. A Load Factor Rating (LFR), based on the bridge plans and estimated material properties, was carried out and compared with the load rating derived from field load test results. The bridge had a 15.4 t (17 US t) load posting. Field load tests revealed that the load rating factor for strength was adequate and that the load posting can be removed.
