Error analysis of lane loading effects on T-girder bridge

The transverse distribution of lane loading is one of the most concern for the assembly prefabricated T-girder bridges. Longitudinal influence line and transverse distribution coefficient are used in the traditional calculation method of lane loading effects. But, many research results show this method brings a little big error because of the simplification. Along with the advance of computer technology in mathematics, it is not difficult to use the 3D FEM model to calculate the inner force that caused by vehicle load in girder bridge. In this paper, some comparatively accurate 3D FEM models are established to analyze the lane loading effects on the simply supported T-girder bridge. The results show that the moment and shear force of each girder are quite different between traditional method and 3D FEM model. The results indicate that the traditional method in current code is non-conservative.