Given the ageing infrastructure, verifying the reliability of existing structures is crucial. Field testing presents a viable approach to evaluating a structure’s current condition, particularly proof load testing. In a proof load test, a large load is applied to assess its reliability. Structures in sound condition are expected to display satisfactory behaviour under average load intensities. Can good structural performance under moderate load levels already prove sufficient structural reliability? The proposed method utilises data from laboratory tests on similar structural elements. A case study was conducted on a bridge to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. Data acquired from laboratory tests were pre-processed to provide the required input for the reliability updating. It reveals that sufficient reliability can be demonstrated without excessive load levels by incorporating laboratory data. However, the actual capacity of the bridge and the uncertainty associated with the laboratory data remain important factors.

@en

Proof load testing can be an interesting method to assess existing bridges for which analytical methods are unable to provide an accurate assessment. In a proof load test, a load representative of the factored live load is applied to the bridge. If the bridge can carry this load without distress, the proof load test is success-ful, and the bridge proves it fulfils the code requirements. Since large loads are applied, the structure or element that is tested needs to be carefully monitored during the test. This paper reviews the literature on reported load tests and the measurement techniques used during these tests. It also includes the test goals these techniques can address, and the advantages and disadvantages of the contact and non-contact techniques. The result of this re-view is guidance for the selection of appropriate monitoring and measurement techniques during load tests. This practical recommendation can serve engineers during the preparation of a load test, and will be extended in the future with stop criteria validated with experimental results.@en