Multi-level decision-making strategy for preparation of proof load and failure tests

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...

Punching Capacity of Prestressed Concrete Bridge Decks Under Fatigue

Previous research showed that the capacity of existing slab-between-girder bridges is larger than expected based on the punching shear capacity prescribed by the governing codes, as a result of compressive membrane action. A first series of fatigue tests confirmed that compressive membrane action also acts under cycles of loading. However, a...

Fatigue Assessment of Prestressed Concrete Slab-Between-Girder Bridges

In the Netherlands, the assessment of existing prestressed concrete slab-between-girder bridges has revealed that the thin, transversely prestressed slabs may be critical for static and fatigue punching when evaluated using the recently introduced Eurocodes. On the other hand, compressive membrane action increases the capacity of these slabs,...

Fatigue Testing of Transversely Prestressed Concrete Decks

In the Netherlands, slab-between-girder bridges with prestressed girders and transversely prestressed decks in between the girders require assessment. Static testing showed that compressive membrane action increases the capacity of these structures and that the decks fail in punching shear. The next question is if compressive membrane action...

State-of-the-art on load testing of concrete bridges

Load testing of bridges is a practice that is as old as their construction. In the past, load testing gave the traveling public a feeling that a newly opened bridge is safe. Nowadays, the bridge stock in many countries is aging, and load testing is used for the assessment of existing bridges. This paper aims at giving an overview of the current...