Weigh-In-Motion Applied to Bridge Evaluation: Fid-Bau Portal

Weigh-In-Motion Applied to Bridge Evaluation

F. Moses / M. Ghosn / J. Gobieski

The Weigh-In-Motion technology has been extended to the evaluation and rating of existing bridges. Software and hardware in the Ohio DOT bridge WIM system were modified for continuous operation to obtain truck axle and gross weight, and headways in two lanes plus bridge response data. Five sites in N. Ohio were studied including four State and one County bridge. The selected sites included a bridge with a posting limit and bridges where permits had been restricted or unusually high permits were allowed. The sites were all steel stringer bridges with only one bridge being of composite construction. The field results indicated a considerable number of overweight trucks. The WIM system was used to more effectively rate bridges by providing more realistic data for the rating process. Reliability methods were also presented which showed that safety levels for the sites studied were high for the truck traffic now being carried. Only strength capacity was studied, however, and due to the increased number of permits being issued further evaluations based on fatigue life should be performed.