Baseline testing and long-term monitoring of the Lambert Road Bridge for the long-term bridge performance program

Abstract

The objective of the long-term bridge performance (LTBP) program is to collect, document, and make available high quality quantitative performance data for a representative sample of bridges nationwide. As such, the LTBP program will collect data, perform analyses, develop models, and enhance education and practices aimed at extending bridge service life. Data will be collected through live-load and dynamic testing, physical material testing, detailed inspections, NDT/NDE, and long-term structural health monitoring. As part of the pilot phase of the overall program, seven bridges across the United States have been tested and are in various stages of being instrumented for long-term structural health monitoring. This paper focuses on a two-span, post-tensioned, box girder bridge located near Sacramento, California, which is one of the initial pilot bridges. The initial live-load and dynamic testing, physical material testing, detailed visual inspection, and an NDE deck scan have already been performed to establish the baseline bridge condition for future comparisons. Long-term instrumentation including strain gauges, velocity transducers, tiltmeters, vibrating wire strain gauges, thermocouples, and a real time camera have been installed. Once long-term bridge behavior is understood, maintenance decision tools can be developed that will aid bridge owners and administrators in better practice management. This paper describes the initial testing, baseline evaluation, and the long-term monitoring program that was developed.