Load spectra equivalent spectrum

Traffic analysis consists of estimating the axle load distribution spectrum (single, tandem, tridem and squad axle loadings) applied to the pavement structure. These data are obtained from WIM studies default values for axle load distribution are also available in case limited WIM data are available. The MEPDG does not use ESAL and hence does not require load equivalency factors. The MEPDG procedure, apart from average annual daily truck traffic, lane distribution, truck growth factor and axle load distribution, also utilises some new input data. These are the operational speed, the monthly and hourly distribution of traffic and the lateral wander of axle loads. 

A variety of linear and nonlinear (geometrically and/or material) and static or dynamic analysis algorithms are commonly available in commercial stmctural software (e.g., Gantes and Fragkopoulos 2010). However, in the vast majority of common steel buildings, linear static analysis is used in design practice for all loads and load combinations, with the exception of seismic actions, for which frequently both equivalent static as well as response spectrum dynamic analysis are carried out. The principle of... 

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