PSI - Issue 84

Laura Dieci et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 591–598

594

3.2. Static load test Static load testing was performed in May 2017 by 4EMME Service S.p.A. to evaluate the bridge structural response under controlled loading conditions. The campaign involved multiple loading configurations applied using trucks with known weights and axle arrangements, with deflections measured at key points on the deck. Displacements were recorded using LVDT transducers and inclinometers, providing real-time measurements of the longitudinal deformation of the deck. For the calibration of the numerical model, reference is made to a specific configuration, in which the structure was subjected to 8 two-axle trucks with a total weight of 487.8 kN and 2 four-axle trucks weighing 400.9 kN. All vehicles were positioned within the central span, distributed between the two piers and arranged to uniformly load the span and maximize midspan and Gerber-saddle deflections. The vehicle positions are shown in Fig. 3, while the vehicle weights are listed in Table 1. Deflections measured on both sides of the bridge at midspan and at the Gerber saddles on the Faenza side (red dots in Fig. 3) are used as benchmarks for model validation.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2: Experimental frequencies and mode shapes of (a) first flexural mode and (b) first torsional mode.

Fig. 3: Position of the two-axle vehicles (1 to 4 and 7 to10) and four-axle vehicles (5 and 6) during the static test, and measurement points (red dots). Dimensions are in meters.

Table 1. Vehicle weight. A: anterior axes, P: posterior axes, T: total.

Vehicle n.

Weight (kN)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

A P T

31.8 30.3 62.6

23.1 40.1 63.4

23.1 37.7 59.6

26.2 34.2 60.8

102.7 94.4 16.4 13.4 15.1 21.1

93

101.4 43.8 46.4 45.2 39.2

200.8 200.1 60.4 60.2 60.3 60.5