Prediction of the static load test results of bridges based on the dynamic load test and the Kriging model

Faced with the structural performance evaluation of a large number of bridges, bridge management and maintenance departments have urgently sought a quick method for evaluating bridge performance. The load test is currently a direct and effective method for assessing the conditions of bridge structures. However, this method is costly, time-consuming, inefficient, requires closed traffic, and can cause damage to the structure itself. In response to this problem, this paper proposes a new low-cost method combined with the Kriging proxy model for fast and accurate prediction of bridge static behavior based on fast bridge dynamic load test data. To verify the correctness and feasibility of the method in this study, a three-span continuous reinforced concrete oblique-leg rigid frame bridge is considered as the engineering application test object. The research results reveal that the finite element model of the bridge can be updated based on the dynamic load test data of the bridge combined with the Kriging proxy model, and the static load test results can be accurately predicted. And the predicted results are consistent with the measured results in the field. The method proposed in this study is not associated with the negative impacts of the bridge static load test and uses more efficient, fast, and accurate means to comprehensively analyze and predict the static behavior of a large number of existing bridges. It could inform approaches for rapid evaluation of the structural performance of existing bridges and the decision-making of reinforcement and maintenance.