Monitoring the Initial Structural Performance of a Prestressed Self-Consolidating Concrete Bridge

Load testing is an effective approach used to assess the structural performance of bridge superstructures. Typical load tests, defined as diagnostic load tests, are used to validate design assumptions and to corroborate structural response improvements due to field factors deemed as beneficial for the bridge’s performance. Bridge A7957 is the first bridge superstructure implementation conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) employing self-consolidating concrete (SCC) and high-strength self-consolidating concrete (HS-SCC) in its primary supporting members. The aim of this research was to monitor and compare the initial structural performance of the precast, prestressed (PC/PS) concrete elements of Bridge A7957. To attain this goal, a diagnostic load test was conducted on Bridge A7957. An automated total station (ATS) measured the girders’ vertical deflection for different load configurations. Lateral distribution factors were estimated from experimental data, finite element models (FEM), and by using the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. Distribution factors estimated with the AASHTO LRFD equations resulted in conservative values compared to experimental and analytical results. No significant difference between the SCC and conventional concrete primary members’ response was observed.