Live-Load Test Comparison and Load Ratings of a Posttensioned Box Girder Bridge
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 27, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper presents a comparison of two live-load tests performed on a posttensioned, box-girder bridge. The initial live-load test was performed more than 20 years before the most recent test. Strain gauges were placed at the same location for both tests. In each case, the bridge was subjected to nearly identical loads so that changes in strain could be correlated as a heavy truck drove across the instrumented bridge. A comparison of the bridge behavior based on the two load tests is presented. The changes in recorded strain were also used to validate a detailed finite-element (FE) model using primarily shell elements. From this calibrated FE model, the live-load distribution factors for moment were obtained. These factors were used to calculate both the inventory and operating rating factors of the bridge. These values were compared with those calculated in accordance to the AASHTO LRFD specifications for distribution factors. It was found that the rating factors could be increased by 26% because of the partial fixity caused by the integral abutments.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank the California DOT and Bridge Diagnostics Inc. for help in testing the Walnut Grove Bridge. The authors also thank the Utah Transportation Center (UTC) for providing the funding for this project.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 27 • Issue 5 • October 2013
Pages: 585 - 593
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 9, 2012
Accepted: Apr 9, 2012
Published online: Apr 12, 2012
Published in print: Oct 1, 2013
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