Predicting multi-span bridge maximum deflection: Numerical simulation and validation

Deflection is one of the main parameters often required to reflect and monitor the overall health state of bridge structures. Several approaches have been developed to monitor deflection accurately and economically. This research proposes a theoretical method to estimate the maximum deflection of the longest section of a seven-span continuous bridge using stress data collected through strain gauges. Firstly, initial data were collected from field tests under various controlled loadings to obtain the maximum deflections and stresses. Then, the stress-deflection regression equations are derived to reconstruct deflection from estimated gauges. Finally, the maximum deflection values are compared with analytical results using finite element simulations to verify the method’s effectiveness.