As truck weights and volumes increase and the bridge infrastructure ages, owners have a vital need to access quality truck and load performance data for bridge management and operations decision-making purposes. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of truck traffic on bridge performance. This multi-year study will collect quality truck traffic and loads data (volumes, classifications, size, weights, and other relevant data) by installing, maintaining, calibrating, and utilizing instrumentation at selected bridge sites nationally, for the purpose of calibrating bridge specifications and quantifying load-induced deterioration of bridge elements and systems to establish bridge performance and serviceability criteria for improved long-term bridge performance, management and operations.

Depending on the level of funding committments, the general tasks for this pooled fund include: 1. Assessing suitability of existing truck data for bridge design and assessment 2. Installing and utilizing weigh-in-motion equipment to collect truck data at strategically selected locations across the country 3. Analyzing the data to correlate bridge performance with truck weight, size and volume. 4. Analyzing the data to calibrate national bridge specifications.

FHWA seeks at least 20 State partners; suggested contribution per State is $50,000.00 per year for five years. This study can be initiated when commitments totaling $810,000 are received. FHWA will contribute a total of $810,000 to this study, all in FY 2012. A waiver has been requested for 100% SP&R Approval. This solicitation will be open through September 30, 2013.