A reduced traffic load model for the inner city of Amsterdam

By combining two types of traffic measurements a traffic load model was established which can be applied for bridges within a limited area of the inner city of Amsterdam. Semi-urban heavy traffic weight measurements from a Weigh in Motion system in the western harbour district of Amsterdam were combined with traffic measurements taken by cameras placed at the entrance roads of the Wallengebied, one of the oldest areas within the inner city of Amsterdam. The resulting datasets were the basis for the probabilistic analysis performed by Dutch TNO Research to determine a new traffic load model for the Wallengebied. One of the main results of this reduced traffic load model is that the Eurocode LM1 axle load configuration of 2x300kN is reduced to 2x195kN. This model will be implemented in a new standard for Amsterdam that can be used to determine the structural safety of existing historic bridges and quay walls.