Live Load Model for Puerto Rico Routine Heavy Permit Vehicles

Abstract

An analysis was made to establish a model of vehicle loads on bridge design that represents the permits’ loads that are considered as routine permits by Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority. In addition, was studied if the HS30 can be a representative design guideline model for those routine permit loads. Following the parametric studies, two families of vehicles were studied by calculating the envelope of force effects from each of them. Based on this study, we conclude that the HS30 live load model is representative of the permitted vehicles of Puerto Rico. It is recommended that the PRHTA consider the two families of vehicles studied as possible vehicles to represent routine permit vehicles in their design guidelines. Key Terms - Bridges, Design Vehicle, HS30, Impact, Inventory, Load Rating, Operating, Routine Permit Vehicles and Traffic.