Bridges under dynamic loads: comparison between finite element analysis and experimental results

Abstract

AASHO Road Test performed experimental tests on bridges under dynamic and static truck loads. This paper shows a comparison between AASHO's tests and the analytical results of UPR-PAVI2, a computer program developed by the authors. This work is part of a study performed m order to validate the analytical results of UPR-PAVI2. We modeled the bridges using the published data of AASHO Tests and the UPR-PAVI2. The results obtained were very close to the field measurements. We discuss the importance of the different parameters involved in the dynamic bridge behavior. It was concluded that the UPR-PAVI2 computer program may be used for the structural analysis of bridges under dvnamic or static truck loads.