Bridge Load Testing: State-of-the-Practice

Bridge load testing can answer a variety of questions about bridge behavior that cannot be answered otherwise. The current governing codes and guidelines for in the United States are 1998 NCHRP Manual Rating through Load Testing Chapter 8 AASHTO Evaluation. Over last two decades, practice has evolved, its intersections with other fields have expanded. outcomes tests been used to keep bridges open cost-effectively without unnecessarily restricting legal loads, when theoretical analyses yield insights representative in-service performance. data further develop field-verified finite-element models tested understand these structures better. In addition, structural reliability concepts estimate probability failure based on results tests, noncontact measurement techniques capturing large surfaces allow better monitoring responses. Given developments, new Transportation Research Board (TRB) Circular, Primer Testing, developed. This document contains proposals interpreting diagnostic loading protocols, determination ratings proof tests. included provisions provide an estimation resulting index remaining service life results. benefit is illustrated cost-benefit analysis. state-of-The-practice demonstrated effective means answering many important regarding critical decisions maintenance or replacement. evolved over history, newly developed TRB Circular reflects this evolution practical way.