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)
Inputs in the worked example
The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.
| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Girder spacing | 2.4 | m |
| Wheel 1 distance from exterior girder (outward +) | 0.6 | m |
| Wheel gauge | 1.8 | m |
| Wheel load | 60 | kN |
| Multiple presence / lane factor | 1 |
Worked example — results
| Result | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel 2 offset | -1.20 | m |
| Reaction at exterior girder ΣP(S + e)/S | 105.0 | kN |
| Distribution factor (wheels) | 1.75 |
- ✓ Wheel 2 within first bay
Method, formulas and assumptions
- Wheel 2 offset = 0.6-1.8 = -1.2 m
- Reaction at exterior girder ΣP(S + e)/S = 1*60*((2.4+0.6)/2.4+MAX(0,(2.4+-1.2))/2.4) = 105 kN
- Distribution factor (wheels) = 105/60 = 1.75
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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.