Determination of Loading Protocol and Stop Criteria for Proof Loading with Beam Tests

Abstract

Proof loading of existing bridges is an interesting option when
insufficient information about a bridge is available. To safely carry out a proof
loading test, high loads are placed on the bridge. To avoid permanent damage to
the structure, a controlled loading protocol needs to be described, and the
measurements need to be closely monitored to identify the onset of distress. The
criteria from existing codes and guidelines to evaluate the measurements, called
stop criteria, are not universally applicable. To develop recommendations for
proof loading of reinforced concrete solid slab bridges, beam experiments were
analysed. The beams were heavily instrumented to evaluate the existing stop
criteria, and possibly develop new stop criteria. The result of these experiments
is the development of a standard loading protocol for the proof loading of
reinforced concrete slab bridges. Recommendations for the use of the stop
criteria are also formulated. These insights are used to develop a new guideline
for the proof loading of reinforced concrete slab bridges in the Netherlands.