Application of field testing for an efficient evaluation and control of live-load effects on bridges is described. A system is considered that involves monitoring of various parameters, including vehicle weight, dynamic load component, and load effects (moment, shear force, stress, strain) in bridge components, and verification of the minimum load-carrying capacity of the bridge. Therefore, an important part of the study is development of a procedure for measuring live-load spectra on bridges. Truck weight, including gross vehicle weight, axle loads, and spacing, is measured to determine the statistical parameters of the actual live load. Strain and stress are measured in various components of girder bridges to determine component-specific load. Minimum load-carrying capacity is verified by proof load tests. It has been confirmed that live-load effects are strongly site specific and component specific. The measured strains were relatively low and considerably lower than predicted by analysis. Dynamic load factor decreases with increasing static load effect. For fully loaded trucks, it is lower than the code-specified value. Girder distribution factors observed in the tests are also lower than the values specified by the design code. The proof load test results indicated that the structural response is linear with the absolute value of measured strain considerably lower than expected. Field tests confirmed that the tested bridges are adequate to carry normal truck traffic.
Control of Live Load on Bridges
Transportation Research Record
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 1696 , 1 ; 136-143
2000-01-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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