AR
Bridge Loading Codes in South Africa
This study seeks to compare the TMH7 Part 2 (South African code of practice for loading of highway bridges) with the Eurocode ENV 1991-3:2000 (British annexure for loading of highway bridges). The basis of this study is aimed at critically reviewing perceived shortcommings that have been associated with TMH7 Part 2, these include:
-
The deterministic approach adopted to determine traffic loading models is outdated and unable to model actual traffic data in South Africa
-
and is seen to be cumbersome to apply, and easy to misinterpret
Anderson’s (2006): “Review of South African Live Load Models for Traffic on Bridge and Culvert Structures Using Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) Data” was the catalyst for this comparative study. Anderson (2006) proposes a Probabilistic approach to review a load model suited to South African traffic conditions based on WIM data. This method is the basis of most international codes, and of particular interest the Eurocode, ENV 1991-3:2000.
177m long, 61m high bridge - Umhlanga (KwaZulu-Natal)
Locale Hardangerfjord Maintained by Norwegian Public Roads Administration[1] Total length 1,380 metres (4,530 ft)[2] Width 20 metres (66 ft)[2] Height 200 metres (660 ft)[2] Longest span 1,310 metres (4,300 ft)[2]
Material Steel Total length 8,981 ft (2,737.4 m),[2] about 1.7 mi (2.7 km) Width 90 ft (27.4 m) Height 746 ft (227.4 m) Longest span 4,200 ft (1,280.2 m)[3] Vertical clearance 14 ft (4.3 m) at toll gates, higher truck loads possible Clearance below 220 ft (67.1 m) at Tide Construction begin January 5, 1933 Construction end April 19, 1937
177m long, 61m high bridge - Umhlanga (KwaZulu-Natal)