Moving Loads Bridge Response: Structural Analysis and Eurocode Provisions

Abstract

Moving loads analysis in bridges are currently undertaken as a result of code provisions. However, this relevant part of the structural analysis in bridges, could be implemented with a wide variety of instruments and analysis. This paper deals with the response of bridges to moving loads: in the first part, in order to take advantage of the high amount of works performed in the past, a review of the principle method for the dynamic response of bridges to moving loads are outlined; in the second part code provisions of Eurocode are presented. Current short and medium span bridge types are analyzed, including long span bridges, as cable-stayed and suspension bridges, having gained much popularity in recent decades for their aesthetic appearance, efficient utilization of structural materials and other notable advantages. A wide amount of references from the analyzed literature are included.