Bridges · Girders & decks

Girder load distribution (lever rule) calculator

Share of a wheel line pair to an exterior girder by the lever rule with deck cantilever.

Standard: Lever rule (AASHTO / AS 5100 practice)

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Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

InputValueUnit
Girder spacing2.4m
Wheel 1 distance from exterior girder (outward +)0.6m
Wheel gauge1.8m
Wheel load60kN
Multiple presence / lane factor1

Worked example — results

ResultValueUnit
Wheel 2 offset-1.20m
Reaction at exterior girder ΣP(S + e)/S105.0kN
Distribution factor (wheels)1.75
wheel P/2S 2.4 mDF = 1.750
Diagram for the worked example

Method, formulas and assumptions

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.