Name: Date: Class:
Load Combinations Worksheet
This worksheet will guide you through calculating critical load combinations and determining the
required size of bridge members, such as columns and beams. Refer to the lesson material provided as
needed.
Understanding Bridge Loads
1. List three main types of loads that engineers consider when designing bridges and provide at least two
examples for each type.
2. Why is it important for engineers to understand the different types of loads or forces when designing a
bridge?
Part 1: Calculate the five ultimate loads resulting from each combination for the following loads:
Engineers must determine the types of loads a bridge is expected to carry. Different types of loads
include dead loads (the weight of bridge itself and perment objects), live loads (temporary loads like
veichles and pedestrians), and environmental loads (weather-related loads like wind and snow).
Engineers combine these loads to determine the highest possible force on the bridge for design
planning.
Given Loads:
Dead load = 100,000 lbs
Live load = 30,500 lbs
Wind load = 5,020 lbs
Snow load = 400 lbs
Earthquake load = 5,000 lbs
Calculate the total load for each UBC combination:
1. Dead Load + Live Load + Snow Load
Calculation:
Total Load:
2. Dead Load + Live Load + Wind Load (or Earthquake Load)
Designing Bridges Lesson – Load Combinations Worksheet
Name: Date: Class:
(For this combination, choose the higher value between Wind Load and Earthquake Load.
Calculation.)
Calculation:
Total Load:
3. Dead Load + Live Load + Wind Load + (Snow Load ÷ 2)
Caculation:
Total Load:
4. Dead Load + Live Load + Snow load + (Wind Load ÷ 2)
Caculation:
Total Load:
5. Dead Load + Live Load + Snow Load + Earthquake Load
Caculation:
Total Load:
What is the higher or most critical load combination from the calculations above?
Highest Critical load:
Designing Bridges Lesson – Load Combinations Worksheet
Name: Date: Class:
Part 2: Determination of Member Size
After determining the highest or most critical load you calculated, engineers determine the size
of the bridge members, such as columns (piers) and beams (girders).
Problem 1: Sizing a Bridge Column (Rectangular)
- Highest Critical Load (Force) =
- Compressive Strengeth of Concrete (Fy)= 4.000 ln/in2
- Length (L) = 10 inches
Use the formula: Highest ultimate load = (max. compressive strength) x (cross-sectional area)
And: Cross-sectional area = (B) x (L)
Therefore: Area = Force ÷ (Fy)
Calculate the required cross-sectional area of the concrete column in square inches (in2)
Calculation: _____________________________________________________________
Required Area: __________________________________________________________in2
If L = 10 inches, what must it be equal to?
Calculation B = Area ÷ L =
__________________________________________________________in2
Designing Bridges Lesson – Load Combinations Worksheet
Name: Date: Class:
Problem 2A: Circular Column
Using the highest ultimate load from part 1, calculated the required area of a circular pier or
column made of concrete, assuming a compression force acts on it.
- Highest Ultimate load (Force) =
- Maximum compresseive strength of concrete (Fy) = 5.000 lbs/in2
- Π = 3.14
Use the formula: Hiighest ultimate load = (max. compressive strength) x (cross-sectional
area of circele = π x (radius)2
Therefor: Area = Force ÷ Fy
1. Calculated the required cross-sectional area:
Calculation: Area =
Required Area
2. What is the radius of this circle
Calculation:
Radius:
Designing Bridges Lesson – Load Combinations Worksheet
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Problem 2B: I-Shape Column
Using the highest ultimate load from part 1, calculated the required cross-sectional area of an I-
shape pier or column made of steel, assuming a tension force acts on it.
- Highest ultimate load (Force) =
- Maximum tensile strength of steel (Fy) = 50.000 lbs/in2
Use the formula: Highest ultimate load = (max. tensile strength) x (cross-sectional area)
Therefore: Area = Force ÷ Fy
1. Calculated the required cross-sectional area:
Calculation Area =
Required Area:
Designing Bridges Lesson – Load Combinations Worksheet
Name: Date: Class:
Problem 3: Sizing Bridge Beams (Rectangular
Problem 3A: Steel Beam
Using the highest ultimate load from part 1, calculate the required Zx of a rectangular beam or
girder made of steel with a length equal to 20 feet (240 inches)
- Highest ultimate load (force) =
- Length = 20 feet or 240 inches
- Fy of steel: 50.000 lbs/in2
Use the formula: Zx = (force x length) ÷ (Fy x 4)
1. Calculated the required Zx:
Calculation Zx =
Required Zx =
Problem 3B: Concrate Beam
What if the beam was made of concrete with Fy equal to 4.000 lbs/in2
- Highest ultimate load (Force) =
- Length = 20 feet = 240 inches
- Fy of concrete = 4.000 lbs/in2
Use the formula Zx = (force x length) ÷ (Fy x 4)
1. Calculate the required Zz
Calculation Zx:
Required Zx:
Designing Bridges Lesson – Load Combinations Worksheet
