This document summarizes diagnostic load testing performed on two new bridges in Ecuador: the Los Pajaros Bridge and ramps at the La Armenia Interchange. Load testing involved placing trucks weighing up to 2400kN (60% of design load) in various positions to model different load cases. Deflections were measured and compared to computational models. For both bridges, measured deflections closely matched predictions, validating the bridge designs and indicating they were ready for traffic. In conclusion, diagnostic load testing is an important way to verify bridge designs by comparing real responses to models.

1. Diagnostic Load Testing of New Bridges
Santiago Zaruma, M.Sc.
Structural Engineer
ADSTREN Cía. Ltda.

2. Overview
- Introduction
- Load Testing of Los Pajaros Bridge
- Load Testing of La Armenia Interchange
- Conclusions

3. - Diagnostic testing: verification of design
- Deflections
- Load levels  around 60% of design vehicular live load (AASHTO HL-93)
Introduction
- Load  measurable responses
+ 9.36kN/m per lane

4. Los Pajaros Bridge
Load Testing

5. Los Pajaros Bridge
Simón Bolívar Ave., Quito, Ecuador
Los Pájaros Bridge
Carapungo Interchange

6. Project description:
3 spans @ 65m = 195m
Los Pajaros Bridge Construction38m

7. Project description:
Los Pajaros Bridge Construction
23.6 m
3 @ 2.8m 4 @ 2.8m
2.8m
web

8. Other benefits of launching:
• Safer
• Faster
• Cheaper
• Easier to inspect
Other bridge components can be
constructed at the same time
Incremental Launching Method
Los Pajaros Bridge Construction

10. Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing
Does this represent this?

11. Dump truck positions
300kN each
Computational Model
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing

12. Computational Model
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing

13. Field Tests
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing
Load Case 3
Load Case 4
- Eight trucks  2400kN (60% design load)
- Seven positions (load cases)

14. Field Tests
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing

15. Field Tests
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing

16. Field Tests
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing

17. Field Test vs. Computer Model Predictions
Los Pajaros Bridge – Diagnostic Load Testing
Load Case 3 Load Case 4
- Analytical predictions ~ measured responses
- Bridge behaves as designed
- Ready for opening to traffic

18. La Armenia
Interchange Load
Testing

19. La Armenia Interchange – Valle de los Chillos
La Armenia Interchange – Diagnostic Load Testing
- Five ramps  Steel tub-girder bridges

20. La Armenia Interchange – Valle de los Chillos
La Armenia Interchange – Diagnostic Load Testing

21. Diagnostic Load Testing of Ramp 15
La Armenia Interchange – Diagnostic Load Testing

22. Diagnostic Load Testing of Ramp 11
La Armenia Interchange – Diagnostic Load Testing

23. Diagnostic Load Testing of Ramp 11
La Armenia Interchange – Diagnostic Load Testing

24. La Armenia Interchange – Ramp 11, Load Case 7
La Armenia Interchange – Diagnostic Load Testing

25. Conclusions

26. - Diagnostic load testing: new bridges = design verification
- Deflections
- Different load cases
- Test load ~ 60% the design vehicular load
- Disagreement between field and model => further studies
- Presented cases: close correspondence
Conclusions

27. Questions?
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