Field Testing and Long-term Monitoring of West Mill Bridge

摘要

West Mill Bridge, the first FRP composite bridge on the European public highway network, spans over the River Cole in Oxfordshire, UK, and was opened on 29~(th) October 2002. The bridge has a span of 10 metres, a width of 6.8 metres and carries two traffic lanes and footpaths. To determine the in-service structural performance of the bridge, conventional and novel monitoring systems were installed during the fabrication of the bridge superstructure. The data from the initial load test on the bridge is presented and various aspects compared with the predicted design performance. The static deflection of the bridge under the test load was within 15 percent of the predicted value using theoretical and numerical analyses. The degree of composite action between the decking and main longitudinal beams, in particular, and other secondary structural elements has a significant effect on the global flexural rigidity of the structure, which is discussed in light of the strain data obtained during the load test. The fabrication of the bridge superstructure was completed in 7 days, and the construction methods used for the FRP composite superstructure of West Mill Bridge are described, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions and observations are presented on the short-term structural performance and the efficiency of the methods used for the construction of West Mill Bridge.