Development of stop criteria for proof loading

Proof loading of bridges is an option to study existing bridges when crucial information is lacking. When proof loading is chosen, the question arises which maximum load should be attained during the test to demonstrate sufficient capacity, and which criteria, the “stop criteria”, based on the measurements during the test, would indicate that the test needs to be aborted before reaching the maximum desired load. A review of the literature identifies the stop criteria in currently used codes and guidelines. Beams sawn from the Ruytenschildt bridge were tested in a controlled way in the laboratory and analyzed with regard to the stop criteria from the literature. Recommendations are given for the future development of stop criteria for flexure and shear. These recommendations will form the basis for a guideline on proof loading of existing concrete bridges that is under development in The Netherlands.