Recommendations for proof load testing of reinforced concrete slab bridges

Proof loading of existing bridges is an option to study the capacity when crucial information about the structure is lacking. To define the loading criteria for proof load testing, a review of the literature has been made, finite element models of existing viaducts have been made, and on these viaducts, proof loading tests have been carried out....

Plastic model for asymmetrically loaded reinforced concrete slabs

Most methods for the design and analysis of reinforced concrete slabs for punching are based on experiments on slab-column connections, reflecting the situation in building slabs. Slab-column connections with unbalanced<br/>moments have also been studied in the past. Experiments indicate that the accuracy of models for asymmetrically loaded...

Beam Experiments on Acceptance Criteria for Bridge Load Tests

Loading protocols and acceptance criteria are available in the literature for load tests on buildings. For bridges, proof load tests are interesting when crucial information about the structure is missing, or when the uncertainties about the structural response are large. The acceptance criteria can then be applied to evaluate if further loading...

Shear or bending? Experimental results on large t-shaped prestressed conrete beams

Experimental results of four shear tests on two large prestressed concrete beams are compared to nonlinear analysis and design code calculations. The beams have a length of 12 m and a depth of 1.3 m and are reinforced with stirrups and pre-tensioning. The four tests consist of a single point load at a distance of 2.7d from the support. A priori...

Modified bond model for shear in slabs under concentrated loads

Slabs subjected to concentrated loads close to supports, as occurring for truck loads on slab bridges, are less studied than beams in shear or slab-column connections in punching. To predict the shear capacity for this case, the Bond Model for concentric punching shear was studied initially. Modifications to this model resulted in the Modified...

Predicting the shear capacity of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to concentrated loads close to supports with the modified bond model

The shear problem is typically studied by testing small, heavily reinforced, slender beams subjected to concentrated loads, resulting in a beam shear failure, or by testing slab-column connections, resulting in a punching shear failure. Slabs subjected to concentrated loads close to supports, as occurring when truck loads are placed on slab...

Applying Experimental Results to the Shear Assessment Method for Solid Slab Bridges

The combination of increased live loads and a more conservative shear capacity in the recently implemented Eurocodes, resulted in a large number of existing solid slab bridges in the Netherlands being shear-critical upon assessment. However, an enhancement of the shear capacity can occur in slabs under concentrated wheel loads due to transverse...

Shear assessment of reinforced concrete slab bridges

The capacity of reinforced concrete solid slab bridges in shear is assessed by comparing the design beam shear resistance to the design value of the applied shear force due to the permanent actions and live loads. Results from experiments on half-scale continuous slab bridges are used to develop a set of recommendations for the assessment of...

Calibration of partial factors in the safety assessment of existing concrete slab bridges for shear failure

The assessment of the structural safety of existing bridges and viaducts becomes increasingly important in many countries due to the age of the structures and an increase in traffic loads. Many structures need to be reassessed in order to find out whether the safety requirements are met. Most existing standards, however, are developed for the...