Dynamic Field Testing of a Three-Span Precast-Concrete Bridge
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 21, Issue 12
Abstract
There has been little full-scale physical experimentation to support the findings of numerous computational studies regarding the contribution of various substructure components to overall bridge-foundation system behavior. In response to this lack of experimental data, a field testing program was undertaken to investigate the in situ dynamic characteristics of a 27-m-long, three-span, precast-concrete bridge. Forced vibration testing and system identification were used to characterize the dominant modal behavior of the bridge-foundation system in each loading direction, leading to identification of the likely force-transfer mechanisms between the structure and the substructure components. It was determined that both the transverse and longitudinal responses of the bridge were dominated by the abutment stiffness, with the passive resistance of the buried settlement slab contributing significantly to the transverse response and the backfill passive resistance dominating the longitudinal response.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the assistance of Kim Twigden, Luke Storie, Dmitry Volynkin, Yasmine Zaiem, and Bilel Ragued for their assistance during field testing. Access to Caitcheon’s Bridge was made available by Auckland Transport. Funding for this project was provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) through the Natural Hazards Research Platform (Grant 3701868) and the Earthquake Commission (EQC).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 21 • Issue 12 • December 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 12, 2016
Accepted: Jun 1, 2016
Published online: Jul 20, 2016
Published in print: Dec 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Dec 20, 2016
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