A comparative study of proof load configurations related to bridge classification

Proof load testing is increasingly used to assess existing road bridges. The load configuration of a proof load test is however an open research question and approaches vary in the literature. To the author’s knowledge, a comprehensive comparison of different load configuration approaches is not available in the literature. As part of a Danish bridge testing project a literature study has been carried out regarding proof load configurations. This paper presents part of this study with an emphasis on comparison between the Danish approach and approaches using the Eurocodes LM1. A brief state-of-the-art is presented. Following this, proof load configurations calculated from Danish codes and guidelines are compared with LM1 approaches. The results indicate numerous benefits of a bridge classification system like the Danish. The research may inspire a common European bridge classification system, ultimately paving the way for better utilization of bridges through proof loading.