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The new bridge on the M7 motorway passed its load test with flying colours
The pedestrian and cycle bridge over the M7 motorway in Velence has successfully cleared the final hurdle. We have reported regularly on the construction of the Venetian pedestrian and cycle bridge, which was built as part of the MKIF Magyar Koncessziós Infrastruktúra Fejlesztő Zrt. investment. The hybrid structure designed by Főmterv Zrt. has also received international professional recognition.
Most recently, in early February, we wrote about the construction wrote about the construction, when the finishing works were already underway, and on 19 February, the test load required for commissioning was also carried out.
When calculations meet reality
The primary purpose of the test load is to verify that the bridge complies with the load class specified in the design. In this case, this means compliance with a pedestrian load of 5 kN/m² and a so-called „concentrated” load of 2.5 kN, as the investing company shared with our newspaper.
During the investigation, the experts compared the measured results with the static model, verified that the behaviour of the structure corresponded to the calculation model, and also determined and verified the dynamic characteristics.
As part of the process, the static behaviour of the artwork was analysed, with particular attention paid to whether it actually exhibits the reaction predicted by the calculations made on the drawing board.
What is measured during static and dynamic loads?
Both static and dynamic tests were performed during the load test. The purpose of the static load was to measure structural deformations, deflections, stress changes and shoe displacements. In addition, elongation measurements were taken and the shape of the bridge was recorded by levelling, with particular attention paid to the reference points of the main girder – the arch, the stiffening girder and the track structure.
As part of the dynamic tests, natural frequency measurements were performed using accelerometers to determine the characteristics of vertical bending, torsional and horizontal lateral vibrations.
In addition, pedestrian dynamics measurements were also carried out: groups of different sizes crossed the bridge at different speeds, while experts examined the maximum accelerations generated on the structure and assessed comfort levels using independent sensors.
Nine load positions and three dynamic runs
The process began with an inspection of the bridge's condition, which was carried out both before and after the test load. The inspection covered whether there were any harmful deformations, cracks or changes in the substructure or supporting structures that would make the bridge unfit for use.
During the static load series, a total of nine load positions were created, including the measurement of the empty bridge. The individual load conditions included an empty state, loads of 12 cars, 20 cars, 32 cars, and two loads of 16 cars each, while the structure's reactions were recorded at several measurement points.
During the dynamic „runs”, first 2 people, then 10 people, and finally 32 people crossed the bridge at different speeds, thus examining the effect of pedestrian traffic on the behaviour of the structure.
Final inspection before release for use
„The primary purpose of the test load is to reveal the actual behaviour of the structure. The solution conceived on the drawing board and verified by calculations must also prove itself in reality. The bridge is also subjected to loads in extreme conditions, the probability of which is very low in everyday use, but the structure must still meet expectations in these situations,” emphasised MKIF.
They added that thanks to modern modelling techniques, it is now possible to obtain an extremely accurate picture of the bridge's behaviour, but that deviations of a few per cent are not yet a cause for concern. However, in the event of a significant difference or excessive deformation, a detailed investigation is necessary to clarify whether the cause is a construction error, a problem with the raw materials or some other circumstance. Due to continuous quality control and adherence to technological discipline, the probability of this is close to zero, and there has never been a case of this in the contractor's practice, they emphasised.
Based on the results of on-site measurements, the test load was successful, although the evaluation and the report on its compliance are still pending. Once these are available, the process of placing the bridge into service can begin. After that, road users will be able to use the new bridge.
Source: Link
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