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Download the thesis (PDF) - Ferguson Structural Engineering ...

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3.3.4 Question 4Have you used load testing to assist in <strong>the</strong> evaluation of <strong>the</strong> structuralcapacity of steel truss bridges?Load Testing NotUtilized85%Load TestingUtilized15%Figure 3.4: Response to Question 4Load testing as a method of bridge evaluation is a very time-consumingand expensive endeavor. Figure 3.4 demonstrates that very few agencies employload testing to aid in <strong>the</strong> evaluation of a bridge. A majority of load testsconducted in <strong>the</strong> United States were conducted as part of research projects. Ino<strong>the</strong>r words, universities have conducted many experiments for DOTs since <strong>the</strong>seinstitutions have <strong>the</strong> time, equipment, and expertise for load tests. Overallthough, most DOTs in <strong>the</strong> United States do not appear to perform load testing ona routine basis. However, most provinces in Canada use load testing to rate <strong>the</strong>irbridges. Many examples were found in <strong>the</strong> literature of “proof loading” of trussbridges. Fur<strong>the</strong>r discussion of this topic can be found in Chapter 4.2.1.2.7

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