Study on mechanical response of an old reinforced concrete arch bridge

The structural behaviour of an old six-span reinforced concrete arch bridge, which has been in service for about 43 years, is investigated. Static and dynamic response of the bridge were obtained from the field monitoring. Based on the similarity theory of model design, a scaled one-span bridge model was fabricated by organic-glasses. To simulate different damages on the arch ribs, seven notches were introduced to the bridge by gradually cutting the arch ribs with saw cutting. Mechanical responses (e.g. strain distribution, deflection, frequency, mode shape. etc.) of the damaged bridge models are achieved. Since the laboratory experimental results shows agreement with the field monitoring results, it can be derived that the scaled bridge model can represent the actual structural behaviour. Effects of the damage location, damage extent on the structural response were discussed in detail. Numerical simulation was performed as well, and the numerical results show in good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.