Full-Scale Experimental Testing on a Reinforced Bridge RC Beam: Experimental and SHM Results

Asset managers, owners and the engineering companies are facing the increasing need to accurately estimate the actual structural condition of existing infrastructures as well as assess their residual life with respect to predetermined reliability levels. In this context, existing concrete bridges require special attention due to the growing progressive ageing, deterioration mechanisms as well as the increased traffic loads, coupled with the reach of the nominal reference life. To this extent, a full-scale experimental testing campaign has been carried out on a reinforced concrete simply supported beam built around 55 years ago and with a span equal to 25.90 m. The reinforced concrete (RC) beam was removed during the demolition operations of the Mollere viaduct, along the A6 highway, in Italy. The testing campaign consisted of a load-controlled test where the beam, supported on isolated foundations, has been directly loaded with a system of cast iron masses calibrated to reach the near-collapse state at the end of the test. The beam has been instrumented with continuous monitoring systems to effectively observe its structural behaviour throughout the experimental test. This paper summarizes the load test setting and the main results in terms of both the static behaviour, showing the efficiency of the testing campaign as well the accuracy of the monitoring systems applied.