Site specific probability distribution of extreme traffic action effects

This paper presents the development of a method for determining the probability distribution of extreme traffic action effects as a function of parameters describing a bridge and traffic, referred to as site characteristics. This method is based on the results of computer simulations of traffic action effects. The simulation program generates random traffic actions for defined traffic conditions and determines the frequency distribution of maximum static effects. The paper describes in detail the simulation of traffic action effects and the general statistical model of traffic actions which is used. Simulation results have been used to derive semi-empirical relationships between site characteristics and the parameters of a type III extreme value distribution of maximum effects. The paper presents these relationships and explains how this probabilistic model can be used for considering site specific traffic actions.