The Methodology of Experimental Bending Moments Determination in Bridge Span Structures

The article presents results of the study of the experimental bending moments in the nonlinear area of section deformation determined by the proposed algorithm and showed practically accurate using for close to the real size constructions of the full scale T-beam length 13,5 m with rigid/frame reinforcement. This beam was separated from adjacent beams of the bridge deck superstructure by cutting of welded metal plates of T-beam shelves and diaphragms. Then a testing metal structure system of individual design and execution, which consisted of a truss length of 15,0 m and a height of 2,5 m was installed. By means of ties and traverses system the external testing load was transferred to the existing bridge supports. The technique and algorithm of experimental bending moments determining by the values of beams cross sections vertical displacements obtained in field tests of bridge deck structures, which allow to take into account the physical nonlinearity of RC elements deformation, as well as the presence of existing defects and initial deformed and strained state of spatial structure.