Nondestructive Evaluation of the I-40 Bridge over the Rio Grande River

• Published in: Journal of performance of constructed facilities Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 195 - 204
• Main Authors: Jáuregui, David V, Barr, Paul J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Civil Engineers 01-11-2004
• Subjects: TECHNICAL PAPERS
• ISSN: 0887-3828; 1943-5509
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3828(2004)18:4(195)

A nondestructive strength evaluation of the I-40 Bridge over the Rio Grande River in Albuquerque, N.M. was completed for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The I-40 Bridge is a precast, prestressed concrete girder bridge located within 3mi. of the "Big I" interchange carrying Interstates I-40 and I-25. Because of its location, the I-40 Bridge is subjected to large amounts of heavy truck traffic. The primary objective of the study reported herein was to determine a more accurate capacity rating for the I-40 Bridge and thus, reduce the number of overweight vehicle permit denials. To achieve this objective, a conventional rating analysis is first performed based on American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. A diagnostic load test and a finite-element analysis are then completed. Details of the AASHTO rating analysis as well as the approach by which measured girder strains from the load test and finite-element results were considered in the capacity rating of the I-40 Bridge are discussed. Findings from the study confirmed that the capacity ratings of the I-40 Bridge could be safely increased by a factor of 1.7.