EN 1991-2 traffic loads design charts for closed rib orthotropic deck plate based on Pelikan-Esslinger method

Charts for the bending moments in the closed rib orthotropic deck plate are derived, based on the method originally introduced by Pelikan and Esslinger. New charts are done for EN 1991-2 traffic load distribution schemes. The governing Huber plate equation is solved utilizing Fourier series for various bridge deck plate boundary conditions. Bending moments are given as a function of deck plate rigidities and span length between cross beams. Old diagrams according to DIN 1072, the new ones according to EN 1991-2 and FE analyses results are compared. For typical bridge orthotropic deck plates, it can be concluded that the new EN 1991-2 traffic loads produce larger mid-span bending moments when two lane schemes are used, then those of DIN 1072. For support moments, DIN 1072 gives larger values for any number of lanes, especially under span lengths of 5m. The relevant differences are up to 25%.