Because of the limitations of the analytical approach to rating bridges in the current AASHTO specifications, proof-load testing is often a desirable alternative rating method. The study reported here examined the feasibility of a proof-load testing program for New York, addressing both economic and technical aspects. Such a program with clearly defined application areas is found to be cost-effective. Two technical objectives are identified, based on review of current practice elsewhere: 1) prescription of the target proof load, and 2) development of a detailed procedure manual to guide typical proof-load tests. These tasks were completed and the results (including a draft text of the manual) are presented in this report.
Continually increasing demands on infrastructures mean that maintenance and renewal require timely, appropriate action that maximizes benefits while minimizing cost. To be as well informed as possible, decision-makers must have an optimal understanding of an infrastructure’s condition—what it is now, and what it is expected to be in the future. Written by two highly respected engineers, the second volume, Infrastructure Health in Civil Engineering: Applications and Management, integrates the decision making concept into theoretical and practical issues. It covers: State-of-the-art practice and future directions Use of probability and statistics in areas including structural modeling Specific practical applications, including retrofitting and rehabilitation in response to earthquake damage, corrosion, fatigue, and bridge security Use of IHCE for management and maintenance of different types of structures using pre-stressed and reinforced concrete, and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) Numerous practical case studies, as well as coverage of the latest techniques in the use of sensors for damage detection and load testing Built to correspond to the ideas presented in its companion volume, Theory and Components, this is an invaluable guide to optimized, cost-saving methods that will help readers meet safety specifications for new projects, as well as the aging infrastructure at great risk of failure.
This two-volume set discusses the importance of linking the decision making concept to damage identification and structural modeling. It examines the process of addressing and maintaining structural health, including measurements, structural identification, and damage identification and discusses the theoretical and practical issues involved for each aspect. Emphasizing state-of-the-art practice as well as future directions, this text also features numerous practical case studies and covers the latest techniques in sensing and sensor utilization.
Load Testing of Bridges, featuring contributions from almost fifty authors from around the world across two interrelated volumes, deals with the practical aspects, the scientific developments, and the international views on the topic of load testing of bridges. Volume 12, Load Testing of Bridges: Current practice and Diagnostic Load Testing, starts with a background to bridge load testing, including the historical perspectives and evolutions, and the current codes and guidelines that are governing in countries around the world. The second part of the book deals with preparation, execution, and post-processing of load tests on bridges. The third part focuses on diagnostic load testing of bridges. This work will be of interest to researchers and academics in the field of civil/structural engineering, practicing engineers and road authorities worldwide.
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Load Testing of Bridges, featuring contributions from almost fifty authors from around the world across two interrelated volumes, deals with the practical aspects, the scientific developments, and the international views on the topic of load testing of bridges. Volume 12, Load Testing of Bridges: Current practice and Diagnostic Load Testing, starts with a background to bridge load testing, including the historical perspectives and evolutions, and the current codes and guidelines that are governing in countries around the world. The second part of the book deals with preparation, execution, and post-processing of load tests on bridges. The third part focuses on diagnostic load testing of bridges. Volume 13, Load Testing of Bridges: Proof Load Testing and the Future of Load Testing, focuses first on proof load testing of bridges. It discusses the specific aspects of proof load testing during the preparation, execution, and post-processing of such a test (Part 1). The second part covers the testing of buildings. The third part discusses novel ideas regarding measurement techniques used for load testing. Methods using non-contact sensors, such as photography- and video-based measurement techniques are discussed. The fourth part discusses load testing in the framework of reliability-based decision-making and in the framework of a bridge management program. The final part of the book summarizes the knowledge presented across the two volumes, as well as the remaining open questions for research, and provides practical recommendations for engineers carrying out load tests. This work will be of interest to researchers and academics in the field of civil/structural engineering, practicing engineers and road authorities worldwide.
