Abstract
Load testing and in some cases failure (or collapse) testing of bridges is a method to learn more about the behaviour of full-scale bridges in site conditions. Since such experiments, especially failure tests, are expensive, an extensive preparation of these tests is important. This paper addresses the question of when a bridge is a good candidate for a load test or a failure test. To answer this question, a multi-level assessment methodology is developed. The proposed method includes a decision tree that helps users decide which method should be used to reach the desired level of accuracy. These procedures are followed to carry out an assessment based on the load and resistance models and factors from the code, as well as to estimate the maximum required load in a collapse test based on average values and a single tandem. The procedures are illustrated with the case of the Nieuwklap Bridge in the province Groningen, the Netherlands. The multi-level analysis showed that testing the Nieuwklap bridge would most likely not result in a shear failure, and thus the test would not meet the goals of a collapse test in shear, which would provide valuable research insights. On a more abstract level, the result of this research is the development of a multi-level decision-making procedure that can be used to evaluate if a field test should be planned and can meet the identified goals.
Highlights
Three types of load tests on bridges can be distinguished: diagnostic load test, proof load tests, and failure tests [1]
The proposed method includes a decision tree that helps users decide which method should be used to reach the desired level of accuracy. These procedures are followed to carry out an assessment based on the load and resistance models and factors from the code, as well as to estimate the maximum required load in a collapse test based on average values and a single tandem
The multi-level analysis showed that testing the Nieuwklap bridge would most likely not result in a shear failure, and the test would not meet the goals of a collapse test in shear, which would provide valuable research insights
Summary
Three types of load tests on bridges can be distinguished: diagnostic load test, proof load tests, and failure tests [1]. Failure tests [14] and high-magnitude load tests [15,16] on concrete bridges are not routine tests. In 28% of all the failure tests analysed by Bagge [8], a different failure mode occurred during the test than expected This observation highlights the importance of an extensive preparation of bridge tests. A subset of bridges that is the topic of research in the Netherlands are the reinforced concrete slab bridges [17] Upon assessment, these bridges often rate insufficiently for shear, whereas upon inspection no signs of distress are observed [18]. For the assessment of reinforced concrete slab bridges, a framework using different Levels of Approximation has been developed over the past years in the Netherlands [59]. In addition. because of the large inherent uncertainty on shear failure, design equations lead to a lower shear resistances compared to ductile failure modes [20,25]
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