Comparison of bridge load rating based on analytical and field testing methods

Chun S. Cai; Mohsen A. Shahawy; Adnan El-Saad

doi:10.1117/12.339917

1 February 1999 Comparison of bridge load rating based on analytical and field testing methods

Chun S. Cai, Mohsen A. Shahawy, Adnan El-Saad

Proceedings Volume 3587, Nondestructive Evaluation of Bridges and Highways III; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.339917
Event: Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques for Aging Infrastructures and Manufacturing, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Unit H4 of the ACOSTA bridge in Jacksonville, Florida is composed of steel with a composite concrete deck. The bridge, designed for AASHTO HS20 loading, was built in 1993 on a horizontal curve. However it was later discovered that the designer neglected to consider the effect of curvature in the original design. Considering the effect of curvature in the analytical load rating resulted in load rating of HS4. To resolve the concerns about the low load rating of this essentially new bridge and to establish the actual load capacity, field load testing was conducted in 1996. Critical sections along the span were instrumented with strain and deflection gauges. The bridge was incrementally loaded and all measurements were recorded at each load step. The results were used to study the behavior of the bridge. The field test results combined with analysis resulted in a higher load rating than the original analytical rating considering curvature effect.

Citation Download Citation

Chun S. Cai, Mohsen A. Shahawy, and Adnan El-Saad "Comparison of bridge load rating based on analytical and field testing methods", Proc. SPIE 3587, Nondestructive Evaluation of Bridges and Highways III, (1 February 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.339917

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