Static testing of bridges and viaducts – 4EMME

Tests and surveys

Static testing of bridges and viaducts

Measurement using displacement transducers

The purpose of static load tests is to verify the experimental behaviour in order to compare it with the theoretical behaviour or to ascertain the elasticity for fixed or increasing loads. The application of the load is carried out using trucks or locomotives, depending on whether it is a road or railway bridge. In the case of pedestrian walkways, tanks filled with water are used. Arrows are observed in real time on computers by means of differential transducers mounted on telescopic rods carried to the bottom of the structure.

Measurement using inclinometers

The measurement of the distortion occurs using the tangent method. It consists in measuring, through the use of a number of inclinometric sensors, the rotations of some significant sections of the structure. Once the inclinations are identified and the tangents calculated, the interpolating function is processed by solving a system of equations equal to the number of sensors used, and then integrating to obtain the distortion. The processing takes place in line with the distortion on the screen in real time.

Optical level measurement

The purpose of static load tests is to verify the experimental behaviour in order to compare it with the theoretical behaviour or to ascertain the elasticity for fixed or increasing loads. The application of the load is carried out using trucks or locomotives, depending on whether it is a road or railway bridge. In the case of pedestrian walkways, tanks filled with water are used. The measurements of the arrows are made by level and optical micrometer.

Evaluation of the stability of the parapets

Pushing load tests on parapets are intended to verify the experimental behaviour and to compare it with the theoretical behaviour or to determine the elasticity for the test load. The load is applied using a jack, placed at a height of 90 cm on a standard riser. Arrows are measured in real time on computers by means of differential transducers mounted on telescopic rods brought into contact with the parapet.

Vercelli

Test of experimental static load of a road viaduct using inclinometers.

BOLZANO

Experimental static load testing of a railway viaduct using inclinometers.

PESARO AND URBINO

General inspection of a lower arch bridge with a total length of 90 metres for static suitability by moving from geometric relief to calibrated numerical modelling.

SIENA

General inspection of a lower arch bridge with a total length of 30 metres to assess its bearing capacity after a flood.

TRENTO

Six-year verification, according to 44C INSTRUCTION, of a steel box bridge on several spans of the Trento-Marilleva line.

BRESCIA

Static load tests and dynamic investigations on automatic light railway.

TREVISO

General inspection of a bridge simply resting according to DM 2008. From geometric surveying to calibrated numerical modelling.

BOLZANO

Complete inspection of a 40 m steel lattice bridge to assess the real load-bearing capacity of the structure on the basis of the actual state of affairs.

Florence

Experimental surveys, dynamic characterisation, load test and calibrated numerical modelling of a prestressed concrete 90 m span bridge

Brescia

Load test with ballast on motorway box bridge.

Siena

General survey of the static and technological conditions of a bridge with finite element modelling and static suitability.