Performance of a Tied-Arch Reinforced Concrete Railway Bridge: Rating, Safety Assessment, and Bond Length Evaluation
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 23, Issue 5
Abstract
This study presents investigations regarding visual inspection, dynamic testing, and finite-element modeling of an approximately 80-year old reinforced concrete tied-arch railway bridge that is still in service in Turkey. Investigations were conducted as part of a systematic periodic inspection along Ankara-Zonguldak railway line. The bridge is subject to heavy freight trains with increasing axle loads. Field tests such as material tests and dynamic tests were used to calibrate the finite-element model of the bridge. Detailed information regarding testing and model updating procedure is given. Based on test results, computer model was refined. The calibrated model of the bridge structure was then used for structural assessment and evaluation. Despite sufficient overall safety, local details were found to be problematic. Due to insufficient bond length in hanger-to-arch connection, a strengthening scheme using steel channel sections was proposed.
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Acknowledgments
The writers thank the technical staff of Turkish State Railways (TCDD) for their support during field trips to bridges.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 23 • Issue 5 • October 2009
Pages: 366 - 371
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 11, 2008
Accepted: Jan 21, 2009
Published online: Sep 15, 2009
Published in print: Oct 2009
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