Evaluación estructural del puente sobre el río Mocora mediante el análisis teórico de capacidad de carga planteado por The Manual for Bridge Evaluation (AASHTO)

Abstract

In this technical project, the evaluation methodology for existing bridges is carried out, based on the Bridge Evaluation Manual (MBE) published by AASHTO, in order to adapt it to the conditions imposed by the Ecuadorian Road Regulations (NEVI-12), whose rules are those in force in Ecuador. The methodology used for the evaluation of the bridge is the "Load and Resistance Factor Raiting" (LRFR) proposed by the MBE, applied to the bridge over the Mocora River; which through a visual inspection detected an acceptable degree of deterioration in its elements, thus qualitatively qualifying its condition. For the verification, the stresses to which the structure will be subject were calculated, considering their different static and dynamic effects, applying the Ecuadorian Construction Standards (NEC-15). The calculation of the real resistance considered structural parameters of the bridge elements. Later an analytical model was elaborated in the software CSI Bridge, determining the effects of design load, besides the fundamental period and knowing the behavior that it will have before a seismic event.

Finally, the "RF" capacity indexes are determined considering the LRFR method in the sections that were expected to have the highest loads of the elements; determining which elements have less capacity to cover the proposed vehicular loads.