Application of a simplified method of calculating longitudinal moments to the Ontario highway bridge design code

Abstract

A manual method for calculating the design live load longitudinal moments in superstructures of most right bridges is presented. The bridge types that can be analysed by this method are: slab bridges, beam and slab bridges incorporating both steel and concrete beams, bridges incorporating wooden beams, and slabs on hollow trapezoidal or other such torsionally stiff beams.The proposed method was developed by orthotropic plate theory, and was checked by the grillage analogy method. The basis of the method and details of development methodology are presented. The effect of the various parameters on the transverse distribution of longitudinal moments is discussed.The method is useful not only for the ease with which design longitudinal moments can be obtained, but also because it enables the designer to investigate the effects of making changes in the design on distribution characteristics.To demonstrate the simplicity of the solution a worked example is included.