Performance Evaluation of a Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge Using Non-Destructive Field Loading Tests

Abstract

As an important part of the transportation network, the reliability of bridge structures is of great significance to people’s personal safety, as well as to the national economy. In order to evaluate the performance of complex bridge structures, their mechanical behavior and fundamental characteristics need to be studied. Structural health monitoring (SHM) has been introduced into bridge engineering, and the structural response assessment, load effects monitoring, and reliability evaluation have been developed based on the collected SHM information. In this study, a performance evaluation method for complex bridge structures based on non-destructive field loading tests is proposed. The cable-stayed bridge in Guangxi with the largest span (Pingnan Xiangsizhou Bridge) was selected as the research object, and loading on the main girder was transferred to the piers and tower through the stay cables, whose structural responses are critical in the process of bridge operation. Therefore, the field loading tests—including deflection and strain testing of the main girder, as well as cable force tests—were also conducted for Pingnan Xiangsizhou Bridge by using non-destructive measurement techniques (multifunctional static strain test system, radar interferometric deformation measurement technology, etc.). Based on the numerically simulated results of a finite element model for Pingnan Xiangsizhou Bridge, reasonable field loading test conditions and loading arrangement were determined. Non-destructive field loading test results showed that the quality of the bridge’s construction is up to standard, due to a good agreement between the calculated and measured frequencies of the bridge. In addition, the calibration coefficients of displacement and strain were less than 1, indicating that Pingnan Xiangsizhou Bridge has satisfactory stiffness and strength.