• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.139-146
• /
• 2003

The objective of the presented study is to develop an efficient procedure of proof load testing for existing bridges. By analytical methods, some of these bridges are not adequate to carry normal highway traffic. However, the actual load carrying capacity is often much higher than what can be determined by conventional analysis. Proof load testing can reveal the hidden strength reserve and thus verify the adequacy of the tested bridge. Proof load level required for meaningful tests should be sufficiently higher than legal load. In the state of Michigan, the legal 11-axle truck can weigh up to 685 kN. In this study, a combination of two military tanks and two Michigan 11-axle trucks was used. The proof loads were gradually increased to ensure the safety of the test. After each move, measurements were taken. For the considered bridge, stress levels were rather low compared to pre-test analysis results. This is due to incorrect material strength, structural contribution of nonstructural components such as parapets and railings, and partially fixed supports.