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STRUCTURES Success Stories
Bridge Evaluation Workshop: Field Load Testing and Long-Term Monitoring
Who: Delaware Division, ERC, Delaware DOT, University of Delaware
Where: University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
When: March 1, 2002
The Problem: Low load capacity is a significant contributor to the reasons for our Nation's bridge deficiencies. Traditional methods for determining load capacity are based on simple, conservative analytical models that do not always reflect the actual capabilities of in-service bridges. When bridges are posted with load restrictions based on a calculated load capacity, there is an effect on mobility and an associated detour cost. In addition, calculated load ratings are also used to prioritize bridges for maintenance, repair, and replacement, as well as for routing of overloads. There is a need to identify tools and technologies that facilitate a more accurate and rapid determination of the safe load carrying capacity of bridges.
The Service (with results): With funding and assistance from the FHWA Delaware Division and ERC, the University of Delaware organized a one-day workshop on the field load testing and long-term monitoring of bridges. The workshop demonstrated state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies for bridge load testing, bridge evaluation, and long-term monitoring systems. Tom Everett, Bridge Management/NBIS Engineer from the ERC set the stage for the workshop by presenting data showing the condition of bridges, discussing rapid load capacity determination technologies evaluated by FHWA, and outlining FHWA's new performance measures that address the reduction in deficient bridge deck area. The remaining presentations, conducted by professors and State Bridge Engineers, highlighted specific technologies and case studies where field load testing has been successfully applied. The result is that participants can now utilize another tool to improve mobility, reduce user delays, provide better information for bridge level decision-making, and potentially reduce bridge deficiencies.
The Plans (FHWA National Strategic Plan & RC Annual Performance Plan): The activity addresses the FHWA/ERC's Strategic Goals of ÒSafetyÓ and ÒMobility.Ó More accurate information on the actual load capacity of a bridge can better equip decision makers so that funds can be targeted to bridges that are most in need. Raising or eliminating load restrictions on bridges improves mobility through the elimination of costly detour routes. Determination of field load capacity can also contribute to the reduction in deficient bridge deck area.
Feedback: It was the consensus of over 120 participants that this workshop was a success. The formal evaluations indicated that the attendees rated the program quite highly.
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