dlclarkii,
I don't have the code handy to look over your list, but you can design/analyze aluminum beams in RISA. Doing so with an S12x17.3, spanning 16 ft, unbraced weak axis, I do not get such a low value as a limiter.
I do not think it is appropriate to do a weighted average, but perhaps...
The aluminum design manual, 2005, defines weld affected zones. In section 7.2, #4 "Columns or beams of tubes or curved elements with transverse welds affecting their entire cross-section"
I have considered the exact situation you are describing and rationalized the curved bracket as a beam...
jester,
I am a structural engineer who switched from bridges to buildings. I spent my first three years or so exclusively on bridges and over the course of the next five to six years transitioned slowly, and somewhat unintentionally, to buildings. However, the buildings I have worked on are...
I have been reading a lot of codes lately and seem to recall something that I can't find again. I thought I read that I could not rely on soil friction for lateral resistance to a seismic event. I really don't want to have to use rock anchors.
I doubt my memory so maybe someone can...
I'd start with AREMA. I think they only have Cooper E-80 loadings though for live load but they do have load combinations etc. If the bridge is not to be designed for E-80 then you'll need to get the load criteria from the client.
Good Luck.
Are you aware of section 1605.3.1.1 Load Reduction in IBC 2003? It states:
it is permitted to multiply the combined effect of two or more variable loads by 0.75 and add to the effect of dead load. The combined load used in design shall not be less than the sum of the effects of dead load and...