How will you assess a bridge for oversized load transportation?

[TrustButVerify]

I have been quite curious about how structural engineers assess bridges when a heavy transport convoy (trailer + cargo) is being driven on top of them.

I have seen different approaches, point loads or distributed loads (with some different criteria as well).

I'm summarizing them in the picture I'm attaching, and I also adding a picture for reference.

The question will be: what is the best approach to follow? or if even several approaches have to be assessed?

Another question could be: will be the same if you are trying to assess some soil like asphalt, or ground?

 

[Smoulder]

How to apply loads in structural analysis depends on analysis model. I have used all your types except #3. And another type where you spread the contact pressure from #2 at 45 degrees to slab centroid so it will look a bit like #3 but not quite. Pavements always use actual contact pressure and area AFAIK.

 

[bridgebuster]

draw an influence line.