Load was applied to specimens using side-by-side hydraulic
actuators. Load rate was approximately 400 lb/second
(180 kg/second) and was controlled by adjusting a pump
that pressurized the hydraulic system. Load was distributed
from the actuators to the girders through steel plates and
a 10 × 30 in. (250 × 760 mm) bearing pad. For specimen
LB, the bearing pad at the load point was oriented with
the 30 in. (760 mm) dimension perpendicular to the span
length. In this orientation, the load was distributed transversely
across the top flange, resulting in an undesirable