Assessment of bridge capacity through proof load testing

Aging is a matter of increasing concern for most bridges that are part of the road and railway systems of the European Union. Many of these bridges are very old bridges without documentation. A possible way to assess their capacity is by means of a proof load test. Two main questions should be solved when facing the execution of such a test: a) Which is the load level that the bridge should resist during the proof test to guarantee a predetermined service load with a required and appropriate safety level? and b) When the increase of loading should stop in order to not damage the structure? The answer to these questions is part of the task of the EC 6th Framework Programme European Project ARCHES (Assessment and Rehabilitation of Central European Highway Structures). In the project a methodology of proof load testing for existing bridges in new member states will be proposed. The paper shows the basis of the method as well as the application to an existing bridge located in Barcza (Poland). The bridge should be removed in the next future and therefore the proposed methodology can be fully checked.