First Load Phase of Long-term Tests on Composite Beams

During their lifetime bridge structures are exposed to various weather conditions and varying load factors. Dead load, i.e. the weight of a structure and any permanent loads fixed on it, acts as constant load. The aim of this paper is to analyse the long-term effects of the load simulating the dead load of a bridge structure on a composite reinforced concrete beam. The structure is formed of a pair of hollow steel beams encased in a concrete slab. The uniform load is exerted using a rubber air pillow inserted between two specimens in the prepared holder. Change of pressure in the rubber pillow causes change of the uniform load on a composite beam.