Alternatives Verfahren zur Ermittlung des Schadensäquivalenzfaktors nach prEN 1993‐2.

Alternative evaluation of the damage equivalent factor according to prEN 1993‐2 Relating to the 2nd generation of DIN EN 1993‐2 – currently prEN 1993‐2 – an additional method for the determination of the damage equivalent factor λ for road bridges is given in Annex F. The alternative method extends the application limit of the simplified fatigue load model in DIN EN 1991‐2, considers current European traffic data and enables a more economical fatigue design for low traffic volumes (Nobs ≤ 0.5 ⋅ 106). A comparison of this method with current regulations considering the ARS22/2012, shows significant differences in the determination of the λ‐factor. For the practical application in Germany, normative guidance should be provided regarding the selection of the method, as well as for suitable traffic volumes Nobs and the average gross weight of lorries Qm1 based on existing and forecast traffic‐scenarios. The new method was developed at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and is currently still the subject of controversial discussion in German expert committees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]