Full-scale experimental testing of a PRC bridge beam after 60 years of serviceability

The evaluation of the safety levels of existing infrastructures is an issue of relevance for managers of infrastructure assets. In Italy, a huge number of reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PRC) girder bridges was built during 1960-70’s and them are still on service. In these years, a progressive campaign aimed at their replacement/strengthening is ongoing and, during this transition phase, a question arises concerning their actual bearing capacity. The present investigation proposes the description of the preparation and of the main outcomes of an experimental full-scale test of a PRC bridge beam pertaining to a girder bridge built around the 1960. The considered bridge (Mollere viaduct) was located close to the country of Ceva (Italy) along the Torino-Savona highway A6 and presents a simply supported static scheme with end half-joints having a span of 34.60m. The beam was prestressed by means of post-tensioning technique. In detail, the principal issues related to the realization of experimental campaign are illustrated and the relevant results in terms of structural response are discussed.