Bridge Load Testing

Bridge Load Testing

Is the process of determining the live load capacity of a structure based on its current condition through analysis and Engineering Judgment.

Bridge Load testing is a component of the inspection process and consists of finding the safe load carrying capacity of structures, determining if specific legal or overweight vehicles can safely cross the structure and resolving whether or not a structure needs to be restricted, and by what load.

The principle aim of the tests will generally be to demonstrate satisfactory performance under an overload above the design working value. This is usually judged by measurement deflections of the bridge under this load; which may be sustained for a specified period. The need may arise from doubts about quality of construction or design, or whether some damage has occurred, and the approach is particularly valuable where public confidence is involved.