Bridge-Vehicle Dynamic Interactions: Results from Recent Load Tests

As part of the National Asset Centre of Excellence (NACoE), the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) with ARRB Group has embarked on a program of research investigating the dynamic interactions between bridges and vehicles. The topic is complex, with recognition that the amplification of dynamic loads is influenced by numerous factors and relevant research outcomes are often conflicting or insufficient. TMR has recognised that research into this area may afford implementable improvements and refinements to their current bridge assessment procedures, which may ultimately lead to the realisation of economic and strategic benefits if applied across its network of approximately 3000 bridges and 4000 major culverts. This paper provides a summary of findings from this three-year program of research which is in its final stages of completion. This includes structural and vehicle observations obtained from three load tests on Queensland bridges and general recommendations relating to the assessment structures for dynamic loading.