Full-scale load test of a PRC bridge beam after 60 years of service life

The safety assessment of existing infrastructure is a matter of significant concern for infrastructure management authorities. Specifically, in Italy, numerous reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PRC) bridges were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. Many of these bridges are still in operation, raising questions about their current load-bearing capacity given the long service time. This study focuses on the experimental examination of the ultimate performance of a PRC bridge beam taken from a bridge deck constructed in the 1960s. The bridge, known as the Mollere viaduct, was situated near the town of Ceva (Italy), along the Torino-Savona highway A6. The PRC beam was characterized by a simple supported static scheme with semi-articulated end connections having a total span of 34.60 meters. The beam had been prestressed using post-tensioning techniques. This paper presents an overview of the critical aspects related to the planning of the experimental campaign and, in conclusion, highlights the preliminary findings with respect to structural safety and monitoring.