Load test of a plain concrete arch railway bridge of 20-m span

Abstract To evaluate the remaining strength of a plain concrete arch bridge, dynamic and static load test was carried out. In the static test, up to 7300 kN of weight was applied, and in the dynamic test, a 1200 kN locomotive was used. The bridge demonstrated relatively stiff and strong response, despite initiation of enormous cracks, and it yielded under load levels much greater than the service load. The performance could be compared to a multi-layered continuous structure rather than to an arch form. The study showed that the bridge still enjoyed relatively large strength reserve and proper dynamic performance, despite deep and wide cracks, suffering from carbonation, and being more than 60-year old.