Vertical Displacements Estimation of a Bridge-Type Structure with Triaxial Accelerometers and Dynamic Loading Tests

Abstract

As a response to the increasing need for safety revisions of structures in Mexico City, this work presents the time-history analysis maximum vertical displacements response of a semi-continuous vehicular bridge superstructure which was specifically designed to cover large-scale transportation requirements and is located above compressible soil. The response considers dynamic loading tests measured with triaxial accelerometers placed between each of the different bridge supports. To register the vehicle-bridge interaction with the displayed sensors, heavy trucks (32 tons approximately) were used in three different loading tests: 1) one truck in one lane, 2) two trucks in tandem, and 3) two trucks in opposite directions simultaneously. This allowed to record data before, during and after the maximum deformations phase induced by the trucks. On-site results were compared with other analytical calculations of the finite-element three-dimensional models, as well as with the local Codes used for this work, to identify if the system has preserved its structural health.