Experimental influence lines for bridge evaluation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hirachan, Jasmeen | Chajes, Michael

Affiliations: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Abstract: Evaluating bridges using field tests is a useful method for determining a structures in-situ performance. Actual bridge performance determined in this manner has typically been found to be better than that predicted based on analytical models. In this paper, a method of obtaining influence lines for short-to-medium span bridges directly from truck load tests is presented. These “experimental influence lines” are compared to influence lines developed based on analytical methods, or simplified load distribution assumptions in order to quantify differences between the actual and assumed bridge performance. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using results of a recent load test conducted on the South Market Street Bridge in Wilmington, Delaware.

Keywords: Influence lines, Bridge testing, Load distribution, Bridge evaluation

DOI: 10.1080/15732480600578485

Journal: Bridge Structures, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 405-412, 2005