EFFICIENT FIELD TESTING AND LOAD RATING OF SHORT-SPAN AND MEDIUM-SPAN BRIDGES

This paper presents both an integrated approach for field testing and load rating of short- and medium-span bridges and the authors' experiences with this approach. By combining an efficient diagnostic ''semi-static'' load test with a simplified finite-element modeling method, bridge behavior can be quantified for use in determining load ratings. Since the field testing procedures can be completed very quickly, and the corresponding modeling and analysis procedures are simple but not unrealistic, the proposed integrated approach is feasible for use on a routine basis. The resulting calibrated model is used for determining the structure's behavior under rating loads. The advantages and limitations of the integrated approach are discussed, and two illustrative examples are presented.