Load Models & Groups to UK National Annex

(BS EN 1991-2:2003 + UK NA.)

Index
1. Load Model 1
2. Load Model 2
3. Load Model 3
4. Load Model 4
5. Group gr1a
6. Group gr1b
7. Group gr2
8. Group gr3
9. Group gr4
10. Group gr5
11. Group gr6



1. Load Model 1 (LM1) - Clause 4.3.2 + NA.2.12
A double-axle load (called the Tandem System) is applied in each traffic lane in conjunction with a
uniformly distributed load (called the UDL System).

The UK use a 300kN axle load with a uniformly distributed load of 5.5kN/m
2
. If there is more than one
lane of traffic then the axle load is reduced in adjacent lanes (200kN in lane 2, 100kN in lane 3 and 0kN
in other lanes).
This loading covers most of the effects of the traffic of lorries and cars.



2. Load Model 2 (LM2) - Clause 4.3.3 + NA.2.15
A single-axle load is applied anywhere on the carriageway.

The UK use a 400kN axle load which includes a factor to allow for dynamic amplification effects. When
the action is applied within 6m of an expansion joint then an additional dynamic amplification factor is
applied. This load model is more predominant on short span members up to about 7m; and includes
members such as deck slabs spanning between main beams. Effects under one 200kN wheel load should
also be considered.




3. Load Model 3 (LM3) - Clause 4.3.4 + NA.2.16
If the structure is to be designed for abnormal loads then vehicles from Load Model 3 will need to be
considered.
The UK National Annex describes two groups of vehicles, SV and SOV vehicles.

i. SV model vehicles (SV80, SV100 and SV196) are in accordance with the Special Types General
Order (STGO) Regulations
The Highways Agency Document IAN
124/11 (http://www.dft.gov.uk/ha/standards/ians/index.htm) recommend that the levels of SV
loading are as follows:
o Motorways & Trunk Roads = SV80, SV100, SV196
o Principal Roads = SV80, SV100
o Other Public Roads = SV80


These represent vehicles with nominal axle weights not exceeding 16.5 tonnes.
SV80 has a maximum gross weight of 80 tonnes with a maximum basic axle load of 12.5 tonnes.
SV100 has a maximum gross weight of 100 tonnes with a maximum basic axle load of 16.5 tonnes.
SV196 has a maximum gross weight of 196 tonnes with a maximum basic axle load of 16.5 tonnes.

ii. SOV model vehicles (SOV250, SOV350, SOV450 and SOV600) in accordance with the Special
Order (SO) Regulations.



Vehicle

Max. total weight of trailers
Trailer Bogie - 1

Trailer Bogie - 2

SOV-250
250 tonnes
6 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
5 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
SOV-350
350 tonnes
8 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
8 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
SOV-450
450 tonnes
10 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
10 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
SOV-600
600 tonnes
14 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
13 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
Vehicle SOV-250 (250 tonnes)
Trailer Bogie 1
6 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
Trailer Bogie 2
5 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m


Vehicle SOV-350 (350 tonnes)
Trailer Bogie 1
8 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
Trailer Bogie 2
8 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m


Vehicle SOV-450 (450 tonnes)
Trailer Bogie 1
10 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
Trailer Bogie 2
10 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m


Vehicle SOV-600 (600 tonnes)
Trailer Bogie 1
14 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m
Trailer Bogie 2
13 axles x 225kN @ 1.5m

Each axle of the SOV vehicles has to be multiplied by a Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) which varies
from 1.2 to 1.07 for axles loads from 100kN to 225kN respectively.

Only one SV or SOV vehicle is applied to the structure. Load Model 1 is applied in combination with the
SV or SOV vehicle loading. The "frequent" value of LM1 is used and positioned in adjacent lanes and
within 5m of the front and rear axles of the SV or SOV vehicle.



4. Load Model 4 (LM4) - Clause 4.3.5
A uniformly distributed load of 5kN/m
2
used to represent crowd loading and may be applied to both
road bridges and footway/cycleway bridges. Unless specified otherwise the ULD load may be reduced
for footway/cycleway bridges with loaded lengths greater than 10m. The UK NA also applies this
reduction to crowd loading on road bridges with loaded lengths greater than 30m.



GROUPS OF TRAFFIC LOADS (UK National Annex Table NA.3)

Load Models 1 to 4 may be combined to form 'Groups' of traffic loads. The Groups are referenced gr1a,
gr1b, gr2, gr3, gr4, gr5 and gr6 and the load models used in each group are listed in Table N.A.3 of the
UK NA (this overwrites Eurocode EN1991-2 Table 4.4a).

5. Group gr1a
Load Model 1 is combined with footway loading. The footway loading is reduced to 3kN/m
2
(0.6 x
5kN/m
2
).


The diagram above illustrates Group gr1a for a single span two lane carriageway with two footways. The
Tandem Systems can be positioned anywhere along the length of the traffic lane so as to produce the
worst load effect. The position shown above will produce the worst effect for the mid-span bending
moment. If the worst shear in the deck is required then the Tandem Systems will need to be positioned
adjacent to the support.
For a global analysis the tandem systems are positioned in the centre of the notional lanes (0.5m from
each edge of a 3.0m lane).

For a local analysis then the two tandem systems are positioned so that the minimum distance between
them is not less than 0.5m [see Fig. 4.2b) and clause 4.3.2(5) of EN 1991-2:2003].





6. Group gr1b
This consists of the 400kN axle shown in Load Model 2 and is not combined with any other load model.



7. Group gr2
The 'Frequent' value of Load Model 1 is combined with Braking and Acceleration Forces (Clause 4.4.1)
and Centrifugal (Clause 4.4.2) and Transverse Forces (Clause NA.2.20). The Frequent value of Load
Model 1 is obtained by multiplying axle loads and UDL by 0.75 (
1
= 0.75 from Table NA.A2.1 in NA to BS
EN 1990:2002+A1:2005).

The diagram above illustrates Group gr2 for a single 10m span deck with a two lane carriageway.
Although the axle loads and UDL values have been shown as reduced by
1
it is usually more convenient
to apply the 0.75 factor to the load effects rather than the loads. The longitudinal force can be reversed;
similarly for the transverse force.
From Clause 4.4.1 the longitudinal force = 0.6 x 1 x 2 x 300 + 0.1 x 1.0 x 9.0 x 3.0 x 10.0 = 387kN.
Note: UK NA to BS EN 1991-2:2003 Table NA.1 contains a note which says
q1
= 1.0.
From Clause NA.2.20 the transverse braking force = 50% of the longitudinal braking force = 194kN.
The deck shown above is straight, therefore there will be no centrifugal force.
Group gr2 will generally be required for design of the bearings and substructure, and will not usually
have a significant effect on the design of the deck.



8. Group gr3
This consists of Load Model 4 and is applied to the footways only; it is not combined with any other load
model. The UDL may be applied to one or both of the footways so as to achieve the worst load effect.



9. Group gr4
This consists of Load Model 4 and is applied to the footways, carriageways and central reserve; it is not
combined with any other load model.



10. Group gr5
The 'Frequent' value of Load Model 1 (LM1) is combined with Load Model 3 (LM3). The Frequent value
of LM1 is obtained by multiplying axle loads and UDL by 0.75 (
1
= 0.75 from Table NA.A2.1 in NA to BS
EN 1990:2002+A1:2005). Tandem Systems (TS1 and TS2 shown below) can be interchanged if a worse
load effect is achieved. Loading from LM1 is omitted from the Lane, or Lanes, occupied by LM3 for a
distance within 5 metres of the front and rear axles.


The diagram above illustrates Group gr5 for a single span two lane carriageway with two footways. The
SV80 vehicle has been shown to represent the Special Vehicle for LM3 for the purpose of this example.
Although the axle loads and UDL values for LM1 have been shown as reduced by
1
it is usually more
convenient to apply the 0.75 factor to the load effects rather than the loads.



11. Group gr6
Load Model 3 (LM3) is combined with Braking and Acceleration Forces (Clause NA.2.18.1) and
Centrifugal (Clause NA.2.18.2) and Transverse Forces (Clause NA.2.20).


The diagram above illustrates Group gr6 for a single span two lane carriageway with two footways.
Vehicle SV80 has been shown to represent the Special Vehicle for LM3 for the purpose of this example.
From Clause NA.2.18.1 the braking force for each axle = Q
lk,S
Hence total force = 6 x 0.5 x 130 = 390kN.
From Clause NA.2.18.1 the acceleration force = 10% x 6 x 130 = 78kN < 390kN Hence longitudinal force =
390kN.
From Clause NA.2.20 the transverse braking force = 50% of the longitudinal braking force = 0.5 x 390 =
195kN.
The deck shown above is straight, therefore there will be no centrifugal force.
Group gr5 will generally be required for design of the bearings and substructure, and will not usually
have a significant effect on the design of the deck.




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Last Updated : 14/1/14
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