Simulation of collision loads to bridge supporting structures from heavy goods vehicle traffic on Swedish highways

This paper investigates accidental loading in the form of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) collisions to bridge supporting structures. Structures adjacent to roads are normally strong enough to resist collisions from light vehicles, while it may not be feasible for such structures to resist collisions from all HGVs (greater than 3,5 tons). In this paper a probabilistic model is used to determine these collision forces while Bridge Weigh In Motion (B-WIM) measurements performed on Swedish highways form the foundation for the calculated results. The probabilistic model is evaluated using Monte-Carlo simulations in which approximately 60 thousand B-WIM measurements are included. The results are compared with values given in the design codes and the implications of using codified prescriptive approaches in Eurocode 1-7 (CEN 2006) are discussed. It is found that the tabulated values given in the code are significantly lower than the values determined from the simulations. It can be questioned whether these loads are intended to provide adequate safety with respect to the intensity and weights of HGV vehicles in today’s traffic environment.