A 52-year-old reinforced concrete T-beam bridge was destructively tested to evaluate the consequences of concrete deterioration on load capacity. Instrumentation included measuring tension and compression rebar strain at midspan, end rotation, and midspan deflection. The single-and double-T test specimens were loaded symmetrically to produce a constant-moment region at midspan. The condition of the bridge was rated 2.5 on a scale from 1 (potentially hazardous) to 7 (new condition). The concrete deck was highly fractured throughout and the cement paste severely deteriorated locally. Efflorescence was common and leakage was evident. Tension rebars exposed by spalled concrete had lost 1-2 percent of their cross-sectional area. It is concluded that the deterioration noted has no significance with respect to the load-carrying capacity of the structure. Based on theoretical arguments, it is concluded that deterioration sufficient for substantial reduction in the capacity of a structure would be manifested in a local collapse and that overall failure of reinforced concrete T-beam bridges need not be a concern.(Author)