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Diagnostic load testing refers to the use of the measured historical responses of the structure in the field data to better understand its dynamic and static structural behaviours. It is important and necessary to predict the health state, load capacity, and aging of the structure by updating the finite element (FE) model, which can give useful information to aid the design of retrofits and the maintenance of the existing bridge in the future. The paper presents an update of the full-scale FE model for the reinforced concrete (RC) bridge structure over the seawater river based on the experimental strains under the static load testing in which the representative FE model of the actual structure is determined from the optimisation procedures. The optimisation variables are applied, including the cross-sectional properties and concrete material calibrated through the genetic algorithm (GA) optimisation in the MATLAB software, which interfaces with the FE modelling in the scripting of the SOFISTIK TEDDY software automatically. The bending moments at the mid-span of the RC girders are determined in the FE modelling to compute stresses, which are compared with the measured stresses through optimisation scenarios with a percentage error of the objective function less than 10%. The measured data of concrete strains are recorded from reusable strain transducers installed on the mid-span girders for every bridge span, which are used to calibrate the bridge model in static load testing. The novelty of the solution is to implement innovative techniques using field data as an improved approach for calibrating automatically the analytical FE model parameters of all RC spans of the bridge until its static behaviours are very similar to those of the actual bridge. The final updated FE modelling is used to apply truck load configurations according to bridge design standards such as the AASHTO specifications, which can predict the load limits of the existing bridge structure more accurately and reliably. These proposed approaches can be applied to large bridges as well as complex structures with supporting FE analysis software and data processing software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effects of different loading patterns on the static characteristics of continuous concrete beams reinforced with external prestressed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer tendons (EPCFRPT) and qualitatively analyzes the results for two continuous concrete beams: SB-1 under symmetrical loading, and SB-2 under asymmetrical loading. Then, a finite element analysis model is introduced and calibrated by tests conducted at Southeast University and data collected from a literature review. Based on the FEA model, the initial prestress, cross-section area, and eccentricity of CFRP tendons as well as the steel reinforcement configuration were selected by a parametric study. The results indicated that the initial prestress and tendon cross-section area had the most influence on the tendon stress increment and the secondary bending moment of the middle support, while the reinforcement distribution and eccentricity of the tendons had little effect. The secondary bending moment had a linear positive correlation with the stress increment of tendons. These results allow a simplified equation for calculating the external load bending moment amplitude coefficient at ultimate to be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a choice of the most rational reinforcement details for frame corners subjected to opening bending moment. Frame corners formed from elements of both the same and different cross section heights are considered. The case of corners formed of elements of different cross section is not considered in Eurocode 2 and is very rarely described in handbooks. Several reinforcement details with both the same and different cross section heights are presented. The authors introduce a new reinforcement detail for the different cross section heights. The considered details are comprised of the primary reinforcement in the form of straight bars and loops and the additional reinforcement in the form of diagonal bars or stirrups or a combination of both diagonal stirrups and bars. Two methods of static analysis, strut-and-tie method (S&T) and finite element method (FEM), are used in the research. FEM calculations are performed with Abaqus software using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity model (CDP) for concrete and the classical metal plasticity model for reinforcing steel. The crucial CDP parameters, relaxation time and dilatation angle, were calibrated in numerical tests in Abaqus. The analysis of results from the S&T and FE methods allowed for the determination of the most rational reinforcement details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]