Description:
<jats:p>This paper presents an experimental and computer analysis of an integral bridge structure exposed to a load caused by the horizontal pressure of water during floods. The paper focuses on the residual load-bearing capacity of an integral bridge structure that was able to withstand the effects of flooding. Three models of integral bridges built to a scale of 1:5 were made for the purpose of testing. The frames have a span of 2.6 m, the thickness of the supports is 0.2 m, and the thickness of the deck in the middle is 0.125 m. The frames are loaded by horizontal forces representing the water pressure during floods. Each frame is securely anchored at the base and is gradually loaded by two horizontal forces situated in the corners of the frame. Loading is interrupted when cracks of 0.3 mm appear. Subsequently, the frame is loaded by a pair of vertical forces acting on the top surface of the frame, up to the load-bearing capacity. This procedure was established in order to find the residual load-bearing capacity of an integral bridge that managed to withstand the effects of flooding. . The paper includes a set of computer simulations.</jats:p>