ABSTRACT
Proof loading has been considered as an effective approach in the assessment of existing concrete bridges. This paper presents a study of acoustic emission measurement in a proof loading of an ASR affected concrete slab bridge (Zijlweg bridge). Because of the uncertainty on the mechanical properties of the ASR affected concrete. The attenuation contours, the wave speed and the geometry effect were studied before the proof loading. During the proof loading, zonal location based on signal strength was applied to track the cracking active area. In addition, the combination of load ratio and calm ratio was used to assess the damage level caused by proof loading. The study showed that the additional damage caused by proof loading was limited. Besides, the presented approach appears to be a promising tool for proof loading.
