Load sharing factor in timber design

[malakin]

I am carrying out an AASHTO timber dock design and want to make use of the load sharing factor (1.15). Please advise what the requirements are for making use of this factor. I am working in the UK and unable to obtain a copy of AASHTO at present. (i.e. I plan to space 6 no. stringers on 10 foot span - 21", I believe this is adequate but need confirmation and explanation).

 

[boo1]

see

http://www.fs.fed.us/na/wit/

trail bridge catalog:

http://www.fs.fed.us/na/wit/WITPages/bri...

free publication on Timber Bridges: Design, Construction, Inspection and Maintenance:

http://spfnic.fs.fed.us/wit/WITpubs/Pubs...

 

[pappyirl]

BS 5268-2-2002 Clause 2.10 states that a load sharing system exists when;

- minimum of 4 members at centres < 610mm
- adequate provision made for lateral distribution via purlins, binders, boards or battens.

The BS code only permits a factor of 1.1 for load sharing but the load sharing criteria should be similar.

 

[PEinc]

Why are you using AASHTO criteria? Is the dock (or was that supposed to be deck?) design specified to be done according to AASHTO? If not, use some other design code such as NDS.