Loading vehicle BELFA development and experience gained in 10 years of practice

Abstract

Test loading of existing concrete and masonry bridges appears to be an alternative way of proving structural safety in case of failure of conventional methods. Throughout the last decade, methods and equipment for in situ loading tests have been improved significantly. A German research team dealt with the experimental safety evaluation from 1992 through 2003. Methods and equipment have been improved during this work and the team contributed into the formulation of a national technical guideline for loading tests [1] and the development of a special loading vehicle for both road and railway bridges. In this contribution the concept of experimental safety evaluation is discussed, the loading vehicle for road bridge testing as well as essential operating experiences gained in practise is described.