Evaluation of the Szapáry Long-Span Box Girder Bridge Using Static and Dynamic Load Tests

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a recent field test carried out before the opening phases of the Szapáry motorway bridge across the Tisza River in central Hungary. The evaluation test was based on static and dynamic load tests that provided information on deflection, stresses, and dynamic mode shapes along the bridge. The structure has two large continuous independent steel box girders that cover spans across the floodplain and river. Various configurations of truck loading applied up to 6400 kN of loading on the deck. During the static tests, string potentiometers recorded deflections at mid-span. Additionally, strain gauges enabled strain/stress measurements at the mid-point of the longest span and directly above one support. Dynamic loadings showed variation in deflection response due to vehicle speed, and ambient vibration testing led to determining vibration modes and frequencies. A three-dimensional finite-element model produced similar deflections, stresses, and modal behavior. Measured and modeled deflections and stresses indicated that the bridge performed within design margins. The testing and analysis results will be part of a future program assessing conditioned-based maintenance.

Multi-Span Box Girder Bridge Sensitivity Analysis in Response to Damage Scenarios

“…The comparison results indicate a stiffer behavior of the FE model. Previous research [37] presents more details of the model devel- All steel elements had a modulus of elasticity of 210,000 MPa, Poisson's ratio equal to 0.3, and yield stress of 355 MPa. The deck, plate elements, bottom, and top flange are rigid systems that connect to the trusses (HEA220) through rigid links (Figure 9b).…”

“…The comparison results indicate a stiffer behavior of the FE model. Previous research [37] presents more details of the model development and comparisons with load tests. The comparisons, including bridge static and dynamic displacements and stress, revealed strong agreement between the field tests and the model.…”

The Concept of Creating Digital Twins of Bridges Using Load Tests

“…Currently, load testing is the most accurate method for assessing bridge capacity [41]. It can be used as part of an acceptance procedure for newly constructed bridges [42][43][44] and old structures [45,46], as well as a direct method of performance evaluation in strengthened or repaired bridges [47][48][49]. Obtaining high compliance of the FEM Validation and updating of the BIM model can be achieved using laser scanning and other noncontact measurement techniques, namely, Scan-to-BIM, to capture the as-built geometry and physical state of the structure [38].…”

“…Currently, load testing is the most accurate method for assessing bridge capacity [41]. It can be used as part of an acceptance procedure for newly constructed bridges [42][43][44] and old structures [45,46], as well as a direct method of performance evaluation in strengthened or repaired bridges [47][48][49]. Obtaining high compliance of the FEM model in terms of span stiffness and dynamic response requires updating the initial model where the characteristics were assumed or imposed by design standards.…”