TUTORIAL: Simple Span Live Load

In this tutorial, a simplified hand calculation procedure for determining the live load demands on a simple span girder bridge is presented. The calculations use a CL-625 truck but the procedure is easily adaptable to any truck axle configuration required by specific codes. Lane loading is also discussed and finally, a simplified and conservative formula for determining the transverse distribution factor for girder bridges is derived. The intent of this tutorial is to provide bridge engineering students with first principle concepts related to determining live load demands. To enroll in Context-Sensitive Conceptual Bridge Design please visit: