ABSTRACT
The aim of the study described in this paper is to develop a methodology for vehicle load model for bridge assessment, which is consideration of site specific traffic loads condition. It provides accurate assessment of structure safety and operation performance for long span bridges in service period. The real vehicle string is recurred based on weigh-in-motion (WIM) data, and the critical effects are computed with reference to the influence line. The statistics of extremes theory is used to deduce the probability distribution of the maximum load effect, also to extrapolate the maximum value in the rating reference period. The procedure that can be followed is illustrated as the North Channel Bridge of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge. The live load models and the maximum effects that developed using the proposed process can be applied to evaluate the carrying capacity and performance of the bridge by two assessment methods. The models and methodology proposed are applicable to other sites and different loading conditions of live load model study.
