Detailed load rating analyses of bridge populations using nonlinear finite element models and artificial neural networks

•AASHTO load rating procedure leads to conservative results.•FE load rating procedure is accurate, yet has massive computational cost.•ANNs integrated with FE load rating procedure to yield a cost-effective procedure.•Many order of reductions in computational time and effort.•A reliable and accurate condition assessment of bridge populations.

For assessing load rating capacity of bridges, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Manual (AASHTO) recommends a simple method, where distribution of the forces in transverse direction is estimated by axle-load distribution factors on a simply supported beam. Although the method is practical in the sense that it allows for rapid evaluation of bridge populations, it leads to over-conservative load ratings. A finite element (FE) based load rating analysis is conceived as a more accurate strategy, yet the need for constructing and analyzing a FE model for every single bridge in the population makes it impractical for load rating analyses of a bridge population. In this study an efficient method is developed for detailed load rating analyses of bridge populations through nonlinear FE models and artificial neural networks (ANNs). In this method, geometric-replica 3D FE models are used for nonlinear response analyses and load rating calculations for a sample bridge set. ANNs are then trained to learn implicit relationships between the governing bridge parameters and the resulting load ratings using this sample bridge set, and to make cost-free load rating estimations for other bridges that are not included in the set. The single-span reinforced concrete T-beam bridge population in Pennsylvania State is used to demonstrate a practical case study for application of the method. The results indicate that FE based load rating calculation procedure integrated with ANNs can be used as efficient tools for in-depth condition assessment of bridge populations.