ESTD Year: 2017 | Impact Factor: 6.9
DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET
Vol 10 No 7 (2026): Volume 10, Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 8-16
International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology
OPEN ACCESS | Research Article | Published Date: 13-07-2026
The load-bearing capacity of bridges is critical to their structural integrity and longevity. In this work this capability is assessed using an integrated method combining computational calculations and experimental testing, with focus on static and dynamic loading situations. The numerical part relies on finite element modelling (FEM) to simulate the behaviour of bridges under different load situations, investigating characteristics such as stress distribution, deflection patterns, and modal frequencies. Experimental validation is performed using static load application and dynamic excitation methods, such as impact hammer testing and ambient vibration monitoring. The combination of these alternative methodologies offers a thorough view of structural response, pinpointing important failure causes and serviceability constraints.
Static response characteristics, e.g. deformation and strain behaviour, are determined under a controlled loading regime to define the immediate structural responses. Dynamic metrics like frequency response and energy dissipation ratios are analysed to evaluate sustained performance and to identify underlying defects. The reliability of the evaluation is enhanced when the computational predictions agree with the experimental observations. Any differences are corrected via model calibration, therefore enhancing the accuracy of the future predictions. The study evidences the need for the use of both analytical and physical testing techniques for a comprehensive evaluation of the capacity, so as to improve the safety of infrastructure management and the operational efficiency.
The results show that dynamic assessment complements static evaluation by revealing small structural alterations that static testing alone may ignore. The suggested framework provides a realistic way for engineers to improve the prediction of load-bearing capacity and enable informed maintenance and retrofitting choices. This study promotes bridge evaluation procedures and contributes to sustainable infrastructure development via hazard avoidance and the effective allocation of resources. This is especially true for the aging bridge fleet, where accurate assessment of capacity is critical to prolonging the remaining service life.
Bridge Load-Carrying Capacity, Static Load Test, Dynamic Load Test, Finite Element Modelling, Natural Frequency, IRC Loading.
Junaid Farooq, Dr. V.K Saini, & Dr. S.K Chandel. (2026). Investigation of Bridge Serviceability and Strength Using Integrated Static and Dynamic Approaches. International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET, 10(7), 8-16. Article DOI https://doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2026.107002
This work is licensed under Creative common Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 Internation Licence
Baisthakur, S. and Chakraborty, A., 2021. Experimental verification for load rating of steel truss bridge using an improved Hamiltonian Monte Carlo-based Bayesian model updating. Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 11(4), pp.1093-1112.
Benčat J and Kohár R (2018) Bridges Subjected to Dynamic Loading. Bridge Engineering. InTech. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.73193.
Caglayan, B.O., Ozakgul, K. and Tezer, O., 2012. Valuation of a concrete arch bridge using static and dynamic load tests. Structural Engineering and Mechanics, 41(1), pp.83- 94.
Chen, W.F. and Duan, L., 2014. Substructure design. Bridge Engineering Handbook, 2nd edn. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Cook, W., 2014. Bridge failure rates, consequences, and predictive trends. Utah State University.
CRRI Report, 2019. Valuation and Rehabilitation Scheme for Shashti Bridge across Ganger River, Mirzapur (CNP-2419).
De Angelis, A. and Pecce, M.R., 2023. Model valuation of a bridge by load and dynamic tests. Engineering Structures, 275, p.115282.
Dissanayake, R. and Bandara, C.S., 2016. Retrofitting of damaged bridges–the sustainable solution. International journal of urban sciences, 20(sup1), pp.50-59.
Garg, R.K., Chandra, S. and Kumar, A., 2022. Assessment of bridge failures in India from 1977 to 2017. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, 18(3), pp.295-312.
Gatti, M., 2019. Structural health monitoring of an operational bridge: A case study. Engineering Structures, 195, pp.200-209.
Gupta, N., Kaushal, A.K. and Ranjan, R., 2023. Parametric study on reinforced concrete T-beam girder bridges. Materials Today: Proceedings.
Indian Road Congress, 2010. IRC: SP:037-2010, Guidelines for Evaluation of Load Carrying Capacity of Bridges (First Revision). New Delhi: Indian Road Congress.
Indian Road Congress, 2015. IRC: SP:51-2015, Guidelines for Load Testing of Bridges (First Revision). New Delhi: Indian Road Congress.
Indian Road Congress, 2017. IRC:6-2017, Standard Specifications and Code of Practice for Road Bridges, Section-II Load and Combinations (Seventh Revision). New Delhi: Indian Road Congress.
Islam, A.A., Jaroo, A.S. and Li, F., 2015. Bridge load rating using dynamic response. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 29(4), p.04014120.
Ko, S.W. and Kim, J.K., 2023. A Framework for Evaluating the Load-Carrying Capacity of Bridges without Design Document Using an AI Technique. Applied Sciences, 13(3), p.1283.
Laura, M., Francesco, C. and Antonio, F., 2020. Static and dynamic testing of highway bridges: A best practice example. Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 10(1), pp.43-56.