FAST Act’s Emergency Vehicles (EVs)

Load Rating Guide

(Revision 1.0)

April 2020

©2019 Texas Department of Transportation

all rights reserved
Executive Summary
This report introduces the methodology and guidelines developed by TxDOT to determine load
rating factors and load posting limits for Emergency Vehicles (EVs) as defined in the Fixing
America Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) (Pub.L.114-94).

Background
On November 3, 2016, FHWA delivered a memo to require load rating of bridges that are on the
Interstate System and within reasonable access to the Interstate System for Emergency Vehicles
as defined in FAST Act. Reasonable access is defined in a September 30, 1992 Non-Regulatory
Supplement to 23 CFR Part 658 as at least one-road-mile from access to and from the National
Network of highways, which includes the Interstate System, or further if the limits of a State’s
reasonable access policy for food, fuel, repairs, and rest extend to facilities beyond one-road-mile.
Since Texas law allows emergency vehicles to operate legally on all bridges, all bridges in Texas
need to be evaluated for EVs.

FHWA established the following two groups to complete this task:

 Group 1 – Bridges that do not need to be immediately load rated for EVs:
a. Have an inventory rating factor for the HS 20 design load of 1.0 using LFR or ASR
method, or
b. Have an inventory rating factor for the HL 93 design load of at least 0.9 using the LRFR
method.

 Group 2 - All bridges not in Group 1:

Timeline: 12/31/2019; bridges that are on the Interstate System and those within reasonable
access to the Interstate System
Timeline: 12/31/2022; bridges that are not on the Interstate System or beyond reasonable
access to the Interstate System

For load rating purposes, FHWA defined two emergency vehicle load models, EV2 and EV3 that
envelope the force effects of most typical emergency vehicles. Load ratings (or rating factors)
should be determined for these emergency vehicle configurations at the operating stress level only.

 Type EV2 - for single rear axle EV

Front Single Axle: 24,000 pounds
Rear Single Axle: 33,500 pounds
Wheelbase: 15 ft.

 Type EV3 - for tandem rear axle EV

Front Single Axle: 24,000 pounds
Rear Tandem Axle: 62,000 pounds (two 31,000 pound axles spaced at 4 ft.)
Wheelbase: 17 ft. (from front axle to the CL of rear tandem axle)

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EV Load Rating and Load Posting Methodology
Bridge load rating provides a basis for determining the safe load capacity of a bridge. The load
ratings of Bridges that were designed for HL-93 (LRFD) and HS-20 (LFD) or above, may be
assigned to be HS-20 at Inventory Level and HS-33.4 at Operating Level if they meet FHWA
Assign Load Rating Memo, dated 09/29/2011. For bridges that were not designed HL-93 (LRFD)
or HS-20 (LFD), a load rating analysis will be performed to establish safe carrying loads. A load
rating is computed for all members where structural components can be measured and material
properties can be estimated. For example, steel beam bridges and timber bridges will have
computed load rating as material properties can be reasonably assumed if not known and member
dimensions are either available on plans or actual member dimensions are measured. In the case
of concrete bridges with no plans, an operating rating of HS-20 may be assigned in accordance
with the Bridge Inspection Manual.

The computed load rating can be used to determine the EV load rating due to the distinguishing
feature of the load rating formula (see below). the bridge load rating factor is inversely proportional
to its live load demand. That means if we can determine the ratio of the load effects generated by
HS 20 truck to the load effects generated by EVs, we are able to extrapolate EV load rating factors
from the current HS 20 load rating, which are documented in our database for all Texas bridges.

𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟
Simplified Load Rating Formula for demonstration purpose

For instance, a concrete pan girder bridge is load rated at 0.9 (HS18) for HS 20 loading. For this
bridge, the moment on the girder subjected to HS 20 loading is 200 kip-ft. based on load rating
analysis. An EV2 loading on the same bridge generates a moment of 200 kip-ft., which is same as
the moment generated by the HS 20 loading. Therefore, the EV2 rating factor for this bridge is
calculated as 0.9(200/200) = 0.9, assuming the live load factors are same for EV2 and HS20. An
EV3 loading on the same bridge generates a moment of 400 kip-ft., which is twice the moment
generated by the HS 20 loading. Therefore, the EV3 rating factor for this bridge is calculated as
0.9(200/400) = 0.45, assuming the live load factors are same for EV3 and HS20. The 1.3 live load
factors for both EV2 and EV3 are recommended in the 2016 memo.

To use this method to determine EV load rating factors, TxDOT created the following three tables
that contain the ratios of force effects from HS 20 and EVs for different span configurations.

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Table 1 was developed to evaluate bridges where load ratings are governed by “longitudinal”
members such as stringers, girders, etc. These members are usually “parallel” to vehicular loads.
Tables 2 and 3 were developed to evaluate bridges where load ratings are governed by “transverse”
members such as floorbeams and substructure components such as typical bent caps and piles.
Table 2 can be used to evaluate simple span bridges, as load effects (reactions) are proportional to
the loading. The ratios were calculated based on force effects calculated using the lever rule, which
is a distribution factor method that is commonly used in structural analysis, especially in load
rating. Table 3 can be used to evaluate bridges where the load rating considers continuity of the
superstructure at the studied location, as live load is transferred to the substructure. Figure 1 shows
typical longitudinal and transverse members of a bridge.

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Table 1. Rating Factor for Longitudinal Members (assuming 1.3 live load factor for EVs)
Rating Factor for Longitudinal Members
Span(ft.) / Truck Operating HS-20 Operating EV3 Operating EV2
10 1.00 0.81 0.95
12.5 1.00 0.74 0.95
15 1.00 0.69 0.95
20 1.00 0.65 0.95
25 1.00 0.63 0.99
30 1.00 0.70 1.04
35 1.00 0.71 1.06
40 1.00 0.72 1.09
45 1.00 0.73 1.11
50 1.00 0.75 1.15
60 1.00 0.77 1.18
70 1.00 0.78 1.19
80 1.00 0.78 1.20
90 1.00 0.79 1.21
100 1.00 0.80 1.21
110 1.00 0.80 1.22
120 1.00 0.79 1.22
130 1.00 0.81 1.22
140 1.00 0.81 1.22
150 1.00 0.83 1.25
20-20 1.00 0.64 0.93
25-25 1.00 0.64 0.99
30-30 1.00 0.69 1.02
35-35 1.00 0.69 1.04
40-40 1.00 0.72 1.07
45-45 1.00 0.73 1.10
50-50 1.00 0.74 1.12
60-60 1.00 0.76 1.15
70-70 1.00 0.77 1.16
80-80 1.00 0.78 1.18
15-20-15 1.00 0.72 0.98
22.5-30-22.5 1.00 0.63 0.96
30-40-30 1.00 0.69 1.03
37.5-50-37.5 1.00 0.71 1.06
45-60-45 1.00 0.73 1.10
52.5-70-52.5 1.00 0.75 1.13
60-80-60 1.00 0.76 1.15
42-54-42 1.00 0.72 1.09
60-75-60 1.00 0.74 1.12
25-40-25 1.00 0.64 1.00
70-90-70 1.00 0.77 1.16
16-20-20-16 1.00 0.70 0.98
24-30-30-24 1.00 0.64 0.98
32-40-40-32 1.00 0.69 1.03
40-50-50-40 1.00 0.71 1.07
48-60-60-48 1.00 0.74 1.11
56-70-70-56 1.00 0.75 1.14
64-80-80-64 1.00 0.77 1.16
55-85-85-55 1.00 0.76 1.14
74-85-85-74 1.00 0.77 1.17
60-75-75-60 1.00 0.76 1.15

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Table 2. Rating Factor for Transverse Members (assuming 1.3 live load factor for EVs; simply
supported spans considered)
Rating Factor for Transverse Member
Span(ft.) / Truck Operating HS-20 Operating EV3 Operating EV2
0_10 1.00 0.65 0.96
0_12.5 1.00 0.61 0.96
0_15 1.00 0.64 1.02
0_17.5 1.00 0.70 1.04
0_20 1.00 0.75 1.05
0_25 1.00 0.76 1.07
0_30 1.00 0.76 1.09
0_35 1.00 0.78 1.12
0_40 1.00 0.79 1.14
0_45 1.00 0.79 1.15
0_50 1.00 0.80 1.16
0_55 1.00 0.80 1.17
0_60 1.00 0.80 1.18
0_65 1.00 0.81 1.19
0_70 1.00 0.81 1.19
0_75 1.00 0.81 1.20
0_80 1.00 0.81 1.20
7.5_7.5 1.00 0.70 0.96
10_10 1.00 0.65 0.97
12.5_12.5 1.00 0.65 1.01
15_15 1.00 0.66 1.06
17.5_17.5 1.00 0.69 1.08
20_20 1.00 0.71 1.11
25_25 1.00 0.74 1.15
30_30 1.00 0.76 1.17
35_35 1.00 0.78 1.19
40_40 1.00 0.78 1.20
45_45 1.00 0.79 1.20
50_50 1.00 0.80 1.21
55_55 1.00 0.80 1.21
60_60 1.00 0.83 1.25
65_65 1.00 0.86 1.30
70_70 1.00 0.90 1.35
75_75 1.00 0.93 1.40
80_80 1.00 0.97 1.46
85_85 1.00 1.00 1.51
90_90 1.00 1.04 1.56
95_95 1.00 1.07 1.62
100_100 1.00 1.11 1.67

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Table 3. Rating Factor for Transverse Members (assuming 1.3 live load factor for
EVs; continuity considered)
Rating Factor for Transverse Member
Span(ft.) / Truck Operating HS-20 Operating EV3 Operating EV2
20-20 1.00 0.77 1.14
25-25 1.00 0.79 1.18
30-30 1.00 0.81 1.20
35-35 1.00 0.81 1.21
40-40 1.00 0.82 1.22
45-45 1.00 0.82 1.23
50-50 1.00 0.83 1.23
55-55 1.00 0.84 1.25
60-60 1.00 0.88 1.32
65-65 1.00 0.93 1.38
70-70 1.00 0.97 1.45
75-75 1.00 1.02 1.52
80-80 1.00 1.06 1.58
85-85 1.00 1.11 1.65
90-90 1.00 1.15 1.72
95-95 1.00 1.20 1.79
100-100 1.00 1.24 1.86

Figure 1. Typical Bridge Component

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To account for the low probability of side by side presence of two heavy EVs on a multi-lane
bridge, FHWA allows the EV load rating analysis to use 1.1-1.5 live load factors recommended in
“NCHRP Project 20-07/Task 410 - Load Rating for the Fast Act Emergency Vehicles EV-2 and
EV-3”. Table 4 gives the recommended live load factors for two crossing frequencies: the crossing
of one EV per day or the crossing of ten EVs per day. The use of the live load factors for ten daily
crossings would be appropriate in densely populated urban regions, while for rural areas using the
load factors associated with one crossing per day would be reasonable. Please note that the EV
live load factors of 1.3 still apply to all single lane bridges.

Table 4. Operating Level Live Load Factors for FAST Act Emergency Vehicles - Load Factor
Rating
EV Frequency Traffic Volume Live Load Distribution EV2 EV3
(One Direction)

ADTT* < 1000 free flowing 1.10 1.10

10 EV crossings ADTT > 6000 free flowing 1.40 1.10

Two or more lanes DF**
per day
ADTT > 6000 congested 1.50 1.20

ADTT < 1000 free flowing 1.10 1.10

1 EV crossings ADTT > 6000 free flowing 1.20 1.10

Two or more lanes DF**
per day
ADTT > 6000 congested 1.30 1.10

* Annual Daily Truck Traffic; ** = AASHTO STD Specs.

Since the EV live load factors can be different from the HS live load factor of 1.3, the ratio of the
HS live load factor to EV live factor is required to use this methodology to determine the EV rating
factors. For example, if a multi-lane bridge has ADTT of 500, the live load factors for EV2 and
EV3 are 1.1 per Table 4. The values from Table 1, 2 or 3 will need to be multiplied by an
adjustment factor of the ratio of 1.3 to 1.1.

If the load rating of a bridge is controlled by its deck, EV2 load rating factor will be 0.955 of the
HS20 operating load rating factor and EV3 load rating factor will be 0.850 of the Operating HS20
load rating factor.

This methodology does not apply to culverts, 3-sided frames, trusses, suspension bridges, cable
stayed, arches or other non-typical bridge types. See the flow charts below for detailed EV load
rating and load posting procedures. “EV Load Rating Flow Chart” illustrates procedures to
determine the EV load rating factors based on Inventory HS20 load rating factors.

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 EV Load Rating Flow Chart
Start EV Load Rating

EV load rating is not

Is inventory rating N
required.
less than HS20

Is LR assumed Y Assume operating rating factor of

due to “no plan”? 1.0 to EV2 and EV3. The bridge
shall not be posted for EVs.

Typical Beam N Concrete Y Load rate it by CULVLR

Bridge? Box Culvert? level 3 Analysis or other
method.

N
Perform load rating for EVs. (e.g.3-
Y
sided frame. trusses, steel CMP,
suspension, arch, etc.)

Which member Deck EV2 RF = 0.955xHS20 Deck RF

controls LR?
EV3 RF = 0.850xHS20 Deck RF

Longitudinal Member Transverse Member

Other

Use Table 1 to determine rating Load rate bridge by EVs. Use Table 2 or 3 to determine
factors for EVs with considering rating factors for EVs with
the adjustment factors. considering the adjustment

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Load posting for EVs is required if either EV2 or EV3 has a load rating factor below 1.0. The
flow chart below demonstrates the procedures to determine load posting limits for EVs.

EV Load Posting Flow Chart

Start EVs Load Posting

Is EV3 RF <1.0 N
No load posting required for EVs

Determine Load Posting Limits:

N
Is EV2 RF <1.0 Axle: 33,500 lbs.

Tandem: (EV3 RF) x 62,000 lbs.

Gross: (EV3 RF) x 86,000 lbs.

Y

Determine Load Posting Limits:

Axle: (EV2 RF) x 33,500 lbs.

Tandem: (EV3 RF) x 62,000 lbs.

Gross: min [ (EV3 RF) x 86,000 lbs., (EV2 RF) x 57,500

lbs.

The EV load posting signs have 3 items: Axle, Tandem and Gross.

Figure 2. Typical EV Load Posting Sign

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Illustrative Example
Example 1.
Asset Name: 010600073501017
NBI 007: Facility Carried by Structure: FM 128
NBI 006: Feature Intersected: DRAW

Step 1 Find previous Operating HS load rating and convert HS ratings to rating factors

Operating Rating = HS29.0 Operating Rating Factor =29.0/20 = 1.45

Step 2 Use EV Load Rating Flow Chart to determine EV load rating factors

Since 25’ flat slab (longitudinal member) controls the rating, Table 1 is needed to determine EV
load rating factors.

Rating Factor for Longitudinal Members

Span(ft.) / Truck Operating HS-20 Operating EV3 Operating EV2
25 1.00 0.63 0.99

EV3 Operating RF = 1.45 * 0.63 = 0.914 EV2 Operating RF = 1.45 * 0.99 = 1.436

Step 3 Use Adjustment factors in Appendix A to increase RF

NBI (29) Average Daily Traffic: 100

NBI (109) AADT Truck Percent: 16%

The AADT (one direction) = 100*0.16*0.5 = 8 < 1000

One EV Crossing Ten EV Crossing One EV Crossing Ten EV Crossing

Live Load Factor Live Load Factor Adjustment Factor Adjustment Factor
ADTT EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3
<1000 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.182 1.182 1.182 1.182

EV2 Operating RF = 1.436 * 1.182 = 1.70

EV3 Operating RF = 0.914 * 1.182 = 1.08

Step 4 Use EV Load Posting Flow Chart to determine EV load posting limits

No EV load posting is required because both EV2 and EV3 rating factors are greater than 1.0.

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Example 2.
Asset Name: 010600074903018
NBI 007: Facility Carried by Structure: FM 38
NBI 006: Feature Intersected: N SULPHUR RIVER

Step 1 Find previous Operating HS load rating and convert HS ratings to rating factors

Operating Rating = HS18.3 Operating Rating Factor =18.3/20 = 0.92

Step 2 Use EV Load Rating Flow Chart to determine EV load rating factors

Since longitudinal steel girder (60’-75’-60’) controls the rating, Table 1 is needed to determine
EV load rating factors.

Rating Factor for Longitudinal Members

Span(ft.) / Truck Operating HS-20 Operating EV3 Operating EV2
60-75-60 1.00 0.74 1.12

EV3 Operating RF = 0.92 * 0.74 = 0.681 EV2 Operating RF = 0.92 * 1.12 = 1.030

Step 3 Use Adjustment factors in Appendix A to increase RF

NBI (29) Average Daily Traffic: 30000 (just for this example)

NBI (109) AADT Truck Percent: 25% (just for this example)

The AADT (one direction) = 30000*0.25*0.5 = 3750

One EV Crossing Ten EV Crossing One EV Crossing Ten EV Crossing

Live Load Factor Live Load Factor Adjustment Factor Adjustment Factor
ADTT EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3
3500 1.20 1.10 1.30 1.15 1.083 1.182 1.000 1.130
4000 1.22 1.10 1.34 1.16 1.066 1.182 0.970 1.121

EV2 Operating RF = 1.030 * (1.066+1.083)/2 = 1.107 *

EV3 Operating RF = 0.681 * 1.182 = 0.805

*Adjustment factor obtained by linear interpolation.

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Step 4 Use EV Load Posting Flow Chart to determine EV load posting limits

Since EV3 rating factor is less than 1.0, and EV2 rating factor is greater than 1.0, the posting
limits are calculated based on the EV3 rating factor as followed:
 Axle: 33,500 lbs.
 Tandem: (EV3 RF) x 62,000 lbs. = 0.805 *62,000 = 49,500 lbs.
 Gross: (EV3 RF) x 86,000 lbs. = 0.805*86,000 = 69,000 lbs.

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Appendix A. EV Live Load Factor and Adjustment Factor for Multi-Lane Bridges

One EV Crossing Ten EV Crossing One EV Crossing Ten EV Crossing

Live Load Factor Live Load Factor Adjustment Factor Adjustment Factor
ADTT EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3 EV2 EV3
<1000 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.182 1.182 1.182 1.182
1500 1.12 1.10 1.14 1.11 1.161 1.182 1.140 1.171
2000 1.14 1.10 1.18 1.12 1.140 1.182 1.102 1.161
2500 1.16 1.10 1.22 1.13 1.121 1.182 1.066 1.150
3000 1.18 1.10 1.26 1.14 1.102 1.182 1.032 1.140
3500 1.20 1.10 1.30 1.15 1.083 1.182 1.000 1.130
4000 1.22 1.10 1.34 1.16 1.066 1.182 0.970 1.121
4500 1.24 1.10 1.38 1.17 1.048 1.182 0.942 1.111
5000 1.26 1.10 1.42 1.18 1.032 1.182 0.915 1.102
5500 1.28 1.10 1.46 1.19 1.016 1.182 0.890 1.092
>6000 1.30 1.10 1.50 1.20 1.000 1.182 0.867 1.083

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