Static-dynamic load testing of the Nanpanjiang suspension bridge

Static-Dynamic load testing is usually an essential way to learn the structural behaviors and the load-carrying capacity of bridges. Especially for damaged bridges, the load testing is indispensible to help better evaluate the damage condition and the structural performance. This paper describes the static-dynamic load testing on the Nanpanjiang suspension bridge carried out in June, 2012. Measured parameters, measuring point selection, vehicle loading positions are presented in detail. Then the experimental results are compared with the analytical ones based on the finite-element model. Although analyzed from the results, the overall structural stiffness satisfies the service requirement and the load-carrying capacity of the bridge seems still adequate, some structural damages are indentified through the testing. The results can also provide evidence for the bridge rating and the following retrofitting.