Presented by Mehrdad Dizaji, University of Virginia; Mohamad Alipour Tabrizi, University of Virginia; Devin K. Harris, University of Virginia; and Osman Eser Ozbulut, University of Virginia
Load rating is the process used in determining the safe load-carrying capacity of a bridge. When available information about a bridge is not sufficient to inform conventional analysis practices, bridge engineers often use engineering judgment to formulate a rational estimate of a bridge’s load rating. This engineering judgement is subjective and can potentially be unconservative, which could pose potential risk to safety or accelerate damage to an overloaded structure. Alternatively, if the rating is too conservative, the result can affect prioritization of maintenance operations and may unnecessarily restrict commerce. This presentation describes an investigation aimed at developing rational engineering approaches for load rating structures within the Virginia Department of Transportation inventory for bridges with insufficient details. The presentation will highlight features of select Structural Identification (St-Id) approaches that were used in the study along with a description of their performance and accuracy. Results demonstrate the benefits and limitations, but also the viability of the proposed method to help VDOT improve the ratings of these structures in a safe, cost-effective manner while also increasing or eliminating postings on some bridges, and thus improving the flow of commerce within the Commonwealth.
