Danish concrete bridge proof loading procedure and considerations

A Danish concrete bridge proof loading project (V1) was initiated in 2016 and followed by a project extension (V2) initiated primo 2023. A main scope of the project V1 was to provide a classification-based proof loading procedure in accordance with the Danish classification system. In addition, significant CO2 and societal economical savings was deemed possible. A multidisciplinary approach was used for the evaluations involving multi-scale testing, theoretical capacity evaluations and probabilistic assessments. The project resulted in various novel testing and theoretical developments as well as significant experience gain. Several bridges were classified to a higher capacity through pilot projects, using the developed proof load test procedure. A Danish national guideline is expected to be published soon based on the findings, just as an excellent basis for the V2 project was established. Several main results from the V1 project leading to the background for initiating the V2 proof loading project, will be presented.