Response spectrum model of vehicle dynamic load for the prediction of bridge vibration level due to single vehicle-passage

The load exerted from passing vehicles is a combination of the static moving load and dynamic load owing to the uneven bridge deck, which leads to bridge vibration. Vehicle-induced bridge vibration has a negative influence on many aspects, including driving safety and pedestrian comfort. Therefore, an efficient and accurate approach to predict bridge vibration due to the passage of vehicles is needed in the design stage. In this study, a response spectrum model is proposed to predict the bridge root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration response caused by a single-vehicle passage. The vehicle dynamic loads were extracted from a field test by employing a Kalman filter-based method. The extracted vehicle dynamic loads were then used to derive a mathematical model of the vehicle-induced loads. The proposed response spectrum model consisted of four parts: 0-2 Hz, 2-5 Hz, 5-7 Hz, and 7 Hz. A mathematical representation of each part was provided for different confidence levels. Additionally, the pavement roughness, mode shapes, and driving speeds affecting the shape of the design spectrum are dis-cussed, and modification factors are suggested. Moreover, the procedure for applying the proposed response model for bridge vibration prediction under a vehicle passage is presented. The validation from field tests shows that the proposed method has decent applicability for the prediction of bridge vibration levels induced by passing vehicles.

Automated summary

The study proposes a response spectrum model to predict bridge vibration induced by passing vehicles, which has been validated through field tests. Vehicle-induced vibration affects bridge safety and pedestrian comfort, requiring the introduction of accurate prediction methods in the design stage.