Bridge load testing
The load bearing capacity of a bridge must correspond to the vehicle regulations or a weight limit sign has to be installed.
Load testing for all types of bridges
The loading test is carried out by measuring strain, deflection, sag and displacement in bridge girders and other structural parts, using a known truck weight as a load. Using the measurement results along with the bridge’s computer model, the result is a reliable view of the bridge’s load bearing capacity.
The loading test is carried out within one working day and includes static and dynamic load stages in accordance with a bridge-specific plan. The test load vehicle may be, for example, a full trailer truck loaded with gravel or timber, or if necessary, a vehicle crane or tray truck, whose load is changed in stages.
The loading test can also be performed for railway bridges by using normal railway transport as load, e.g. heavy freight trains.
