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Abstract

To evaluate the remaining load carrying capacity of Akbar-Abad Railway Bridge, dynamic and static load testing were carried out. The bridge included five identical 6-meter arches, made of mass concrete material, with more than 60-year old. In the dynamic test, a
120-ton locomotive passed over the bridge at different speeds and displacements and accelerations were recorded at critical sections. In the static test, 500 tons of rail weight was gradually applied to the middle span and deflections were measured. The bridge showed a relatively stiff response without any indication of resonance or big dynamic magnification effects during the tests. The response remained linear-elastic under maximum load and the results suggested a relatively large strength reserve, relative to the standard service loads, for the bridge. Overall, the study showed that, despite aging effects and experiencing deep and wide cracking at the crowns, the bridge still enjoyed relatively large strength reserve and safe performance.