Real-Time, In Situ Measurements for the Dynamic Testing of a Road Bridge

Bridge structures play a critical socio-economic role, as a part of the national or regional transport infrastructure, necessitating rigorous performance evaluations prior to final acceptance and commissioning. Such evaluations commonly involve both static and dynamic regime testing using controlled trial loads. This study presents the methodology and instrumentation implemented for the dynamic testing of a road bridge with reinforced concrete deck. The measurement system, comprising calibrated sensors and data acquisition units, enabled real-time monitoring of structural response under test loads. Procedures for signal processing, data analysis and extraction of key dynamic parameters are described, alongside the criteria applied for interpreting the experimental results. To complement the experimental analysis, a finite element model of the bridge was developed, providing a numerical framework for validation and correlation of the measured dynamic behavior. The integrated approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the bridge’s structural performance and ensures reliability in operational conditions.