Load distribution analyses of skew highway concrete bridges

Wheel load distribution on highway bridges is an important response parameter in determining structural member size and consequently the strength and serviceability of bridge members. It is, therefore, of critical importance in the design of new bridges and the evaluation of the load carrying capacity of existing bridges. The finite element method was used to carry out detailed analyses of different bridge types-solid slab bridges and slab-on-girder bridges with varying skew angles. The actual loads used in the bridge tests were modeled in the analysis. The available field test results for different skew bridges types viz., solid slab and slab-on-girder, were compared with the analytical values based on AASHTO, LRFD code and Finite Element Method. Important parameters such as beam spacing, span length, slab thickness, flexural rigidities of longitudinal and transverse girders, number of traffic lanes and total curb-to-curb deck width were identified in the load distribution of the skew bridges for varying skew angles.