Load-Carrying Behaviors of Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge After Repairing Center Hinge Bearings

Abstract

This article presents load-carrying behaviors of Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge after rehabilitation. The bridge is a balanced cantilever one. The center hinge bearing at the edge of the cantilever was damaged. The damage resulted in bearing restraint of longitudinal movement and a high and perceptible vibration. Bridge inspection found that the damage was caused by concrete creep resulting in the hinge bearing movement away from its original position and the ability to distribute bearing load was reduced. The solution was to replace and install the new hinge bearings in the right position and also change the type of the center hinge bearing to improve load distribution. After the replacement, the bearing load distribution was enhanced and the vibration was reduced to normal level.