SPR 2013 Prime KTC:

The objective of this research study is to determine the load rating of bridges, especially county road bridges, using field test data instead of AASHTO method. This study will identify standard bridges in KY with load ratings that are below the standard HS truck that can traverse these roads, conduct field testing on representative bridges, and propose a methodology for load rating based field testing for Kentucky’s bridges. The AASHTO load rating method, which is the standard for rating bridges, is based on simple calculation procedures that generally underestimate the “actual” load rating for bridges. Numerous field studies have been conducted in Florida, Texas, and elsewhere that show that field test data, which is an accurate representation of the “actual” bridge, better predict the load rating of bridges that is generally higher than that predicted by the AASHTO method.