Beam-slab bridges with irregular geometries cannot be analyzed using AASHTO approximate methods of analysis. Accordingly, it is impractical or cumbersome to load rate beam-slab bridges with irregular geometries using AASHTOWARE Bridge Rating software. For such cases, refined analysis is required to obtain the internal forces developed in the structural members under the effect of vehicular live load. For conventional concrete and steel bridges, numerical models, utilizing elastic material properties and small deflection theory such as Finite Element Analysis, are most commonly used for structural analysis.
SDR has extensive experience and knowledge of Finite Element Analysis of beam-slab bridges with irregular geometries, as well as complex bridges, using different software packages. SDR has successfully completed modeling of numerous bridges for design and load rating projects.
