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Impact Factor
Vehicular Live loads are multiplied with an Impact Factor to accommodate this dynamic effect in the
design of bridges. The dynamic loads for moving vehicles are considered Impact in bridge engineering
because of the relatively short duration.
The magnitude of the impact factor depends on the bridge span, stiffness and surface roughness, and
vehicle dynamic characteristics such as moving speed and isolation system. Impact factor is often
referred as Dynamic Allowance, IM, Impact Load in different design codes.
Causes of Impact
The wearing surface of bridges are not usually perfectly smooth, thus the moving vehicle/train suspension
must accommodate this roughness by compression and decompression of the suspension system or
tires. Vehicles such as trucks and trains passing bridges at certain speeds will induce two major dynamic
effects
1. Global vibration and
2. Local hammer effects
This oscillation creates additional axle forces that exceed the static weight of the vehicle when
acceleration is upward. This is less than the static weight when the acceleration is downward. Although
called impact, this phenomenon is referred to as dynamic loading.
Moving vehicles mainly causes vertical vibration of the bridge, Unlike earthquake loads which can cause
vibration in bridge longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions. Impact effect has influence primarily on
the superstructure and some of substructure members above the ground because the energy will be
dissipated effectively in members underground by the bearing soils.
The interaction between moving vehicles and bridges is a complex phenomenon. The dynamic effects of
moving vehicles on bridges are accounted for by a dynamic load allowance or impact factor, in addition to
static live load in most of the bridge design specifications.
Impact factor or Dynamic Allowance for various Limit states as per AASHTO LRFD
Limit State Impact/ Dynamic Allowance