Evaluation of Existing RC Slab Bridges

Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) rating procedure for reinforced concrete (RC) slab bridges by using nondestructive load testing. Three RC slab bridges, each with three continuous spans, were selected for this study. These bridges had minor to severe deterioration. For each bridge, the rating factors were calculated using AASHTO specifications. Nondestructive load tests were carried out on all three bridges. Four dump trucks, each filled with gravel, were used for loading. The trucks were placed in three different load positions to cause maximum positive moment in the middle span, maximum positive moment in the end span, and maximum negative moment at the intermediate supports. The analytical models were updated using the results from load testing and then were used to calculate new rating factors for each bridge. The current AASHTO rating procedure was found to be too conservative.

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