Abstract: To address the incomplete calculation theory of the dynamic load allowance (DLA) for taxiway bridges, the influencing factors and the distribution pattern of the DLA were systematically investigated with theoretical derivations, numerical simulations and field tests. First, an analytical expression for the DLA of a two-span continuous plate shell structure under multiple moving mass-spring-damper systems was derived based on the Mindlin-Reissner plate shell theory, which established a mechanical relationship with the folded girder theory. Subsequently, an interaction aircraft-bridge numerical vibration analysis model was developed using ANSYS, where a three-axis spatial aircraft model was applied to investigate continuous taxiway bridges with different spans and widths. Then, the dynamic analysis program for aircraft-taxiway bridges was developed and validated using strain data from field monitoring of the Qingdao Airport taxiway bridge. Finally, the deflection DLA patterns were analyzed for different girders, cross-sections, bridge deck roughness and aircraft taxiing speed conditions. The results indicate that the edge girders of the taxiway bridges deflected backwards and have the highest DLA. The maximum DLA does not always occur at the midspan. The DLA varies significantly across different cross-sections when the width-to-span ratios below 2. While plate-shell mechanical behavior results in reduced variation of the DLA among cross-sections when the ratios above 3. The deterioration of the bridge deck roughness resulted in a significant increase in the DLA. The designed taxiing speed between 45 and 65 km/h, illustrating no significant impact. The research can provide a reference for the refined design and dynamic evaluation of the continuous taxiway bridges.

Key words: bridge engineering, continuous taxiway bridge, aircraft-bridge interaction, deflection dynamic load allowance, plate-shell theory