ABSTRACT
Abstract Bridges in the United Kingdom are being assessed to bring allowable gross vehicle weights in line with other European countries. Lower original design loads, corrosion of reinforcement and prestressing tendons, poor concrete quality and bad detailing have all contributed to a number of bridges failing assessments. Design of these bridges was normally based on conservative analytical methods. Therefore, assessment load ratings can often be increased by using other load paths. These include membrane action, surface stiffening and bearing restraints. As quantifying these effects is not straight forward, instrumented load tests have been used to calibrate analytical models. This paper describes the assessments, load tests and instrumentation carried out on several bridges that had corroded prestressing cables.
