WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development
Print ISSN: 1790-5079, E-ISSN: 2224-3496
Volume 21, 2025
Load Rating Evaluation by Finite Element Analysis: A Basis for Load Posting Structurally Deficient Bridges along National Roads in the Ilocos Region
Author:
Abstract: This study evaluated the load rating by finite element analysis of the structurally deficient bridges along national roads in the Ilocos Region as a basis for their load postings. Also, it aimed to develop a general procedure for load rating bridges as a standardized methodology for load rating bridges. The study is a descriptive-evaluative type of research, and data were gathered through reports, plans, field surveys, and field inspections. Two (2) structurally deficient bridges were evaluated, and an additional structurally adequate bridge was also evaluated as a means of calibrating the finite element method used in this study. Bridges were then analyzed through the MIDAS Civil software and aided with MS Excel to compute their load ratings. It was found that the load rating evaluation of the bridge through finite element analysis will yield higher load ratings than the simple approximate method (strip method). The formulated general procedure can be used as a standardized methodology for the load rating of bridges. It presented a systematic methodology that can be adopted for load rating bridges. The parts of the proposed general procedure are 1) bridge characterization, 2) bridge database, 3) field survey and inspection, and 4) bridge load rating. This provides a clear path that offers a step-by-step process and can be implemented for bridges that do not have existing as-built plans.
Search Articles
Keywords: bridge, live load capacity, load rating, load posting, finite element analysis, MIDAS Civil
Pages: 478-502
DOI: 10.37394/232015.2025.21.40