USE OF FIELD TESTING IN DELAWARE'S BRIDGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Since 1994, researchers at the University of Delaware have been working with engineers at the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to develop methods for integrating bridge field testing and in-service monitoring into DelDOT's bridge management efforts. Bridges have traditionally been evaluated and rated using rather simple analytical methods and without the use of site-specific data. Estimates of a bridge's load-carrying capacity made in this manner are often overly conservative. Because of the continued deterioration of our nation's bridges and the growing number of bridges that are being classified as deficient, combined with limited financial resources in our bridge management programs, it is more important than ever that estimates of a bridge's capacity be as accurate as possible. Accurate condition assessments and load ratings can allow bridge engineers to more effectively manage their bridge inventories. This paper summarizes the efforts to date and gives specific examples of how bridge field testing and in-service monitoring have been used to enhance the bridge management efforts in Delaware.