Proposal for loading tests of bridges - simulation and laboratory experiments

A new dynamic load testing of bridges is proposed and theoretically investigated. A transient analysis of passing vehicle over a bridge in ANSYS and an analytical program in MATLAB for the transient solution of piecewise linear mechanical structures were developed to assess the effects of the proposed dynamic load on a bridge model. According to the first laboratory experiments, it seems that the proposed travelling impulse load could surpass some of the shortcomings and limitations of the currently applied methods of bridge testing. The investigation is a part of a project aimed at drive-by identification of dynamic properties of bridges and further experimental and analytical research will follow