Document Information
Document Type: FAQ
Product(s): LEAP BRIDGE STEEL
Version(s): All
Original Author: Bentley Technical Support Group -VM
QUESTION: How does the LBS distribute the pedestrian load to the girders?
ANSWER:
Pedestrian load = KSF x Tributary width = k/ft
if the user selects Line girder analysis, then the program will place a strip at the center of the bridge and then the Pedestrian load is distributed to all the girders equally.
If the user selects Grillage analysis, then for pedestrian loading, the load is placed precisely where the sidewalk is located and not shifted. The load is analyzed in the same manner as a lane load, loading only those parts of the bridge that would cause maximum moment or shear at each section as per AASHTO requirement. During the grillage live load process the Pedestrian load is applied to the left and right sidewalk to produce the maximum result on those girders which are below the sidewalk.