Bridge Testing and Diagnostics for Enhanced Load Rating

Accurate bridge load rating is essential for identifying problem structures and keeping our bridges safe and in service. Measuring actual bridge response, through strains and displacements, under truck loading coupled with subsequent advanced structural analysis is the most reliable way to assess bridge capacity. Coupled field load testing and analysis has been shown to lead to significantly higher load ratings than those predicted with standard American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) methods, and had the potential to save Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) significant funds through more efficient use of our bridge inventory. Under this study, the University of Maine will work with MaineDOT to identify critical bridges, perform diagnostic live load testing and analyse the bridges to develop refined rating factors.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Maine Department of Transportation

  16 Statehouse Station
  Augusta, ME  United States  04333
• Start Date: 20110707
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20131207
• Source Data: RiP Project 36031

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Heavy duty trucks; Inspection; Load factor; Service life; Strain (Mechanics)
• Identifier Terms: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
• Geographic Terms: Maine
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01506693
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Maine Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 8 2014 1:00AM