Bridge monitoring

Sandra Myrtue

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Bridges can be monitored using a variety of methods, including visual inspections, ultrasonic testing, and load testing. Additionally, sensors can be installed on the bridge to monitor factors such as temperature, humidity, and movement. These sensor readings can be analyzed to identify potential issues and track the overall health of the bridge over time. Regular monitoring can help ensure the safety and longevity of the bridge.

Sensor monitoring

Storebælt sensors great belt bridge monitoring
Displacement sensors can used to measure the movement between different bridge sections.

Monitoring a bridge with sensors can provide several benefits, including:

  • Early detection of issues: Sensors can detect small changes in the bridge’s structure that may indicate a potential problem. This allows for early intervention and repairs before the issue becomes more severe.
  • Real-time monitoring: Sensors can provide continuous monitoring of the bridge’s condition, allowing for quick response to any changes.
  • Cost-effective: Sensor technology has become more affordable and sophisticated, making it a cost-effective way to monitor bridges.
  • Data collection and analysis: Sensors can collect a large amount of data on the bridge’s condition which can be analyzed to identify trends, patterns and potential problem areas.
  • Safety: Regular monitoring can help ensure the safety of the bridge for the people who use it.
  • Maintenance: Regular monitoring can help identify and prioritize maintenance needs, reducing the need for costly repairs in the future.
  • Smart infrastructure: Sensors can be integrated with other technology, such as IoT and AI, to create a smart infrastructure that is more efficient and resilient.

The type of monitoring and sensors depends on the bridge type.

Suspension bridge monitoring

suspension bridge monitoring storebælt
The Great Belt bridge in Denmark is the longest single span suspension bridge outside of Asia. KI is monitoring the bridge with a wide range of sensor types including, accelerometers, strain gauges, displacement sensors to name a few.

There are several types of sensors that can be used for monitoring a suspension bridge, including:

  • Accelerometers: These sensors measure acceleration and vibrations in the bridge, which can indicate structural issues or heavy traffic.
  • Strain gauges: These sensors measure the deformation of the bridge’s cables, which can indicate changes in tension or stress. They can also be used for girder boxes to estimate fatigue.
  • Temperature sensors: These sensors measure the temperature of the bridge’s components, which can indicate changes in the environment or in the materials of the bridge.
  • Displacement sensors: These sensors measure the movement of the bridge’s components, which can indicate changes in the alignment or stability of the structure.
  • Load cells: These sensors measure the weight on the bridge, which can indicate heavy traffic or overloading.
  • Optical fiber sensors: These sensors are based on the use of optical fibers that are sensitive to changes in temperature, deformation, tension, and other parameters.
  • Corrosion sensors: These sensors detect potential corrosion of the bridge’s components, which can weaken the structure over time.
  • Inclinometer: These sensors are used to measure the angle of inclination of the bridge, which can indicate changes in alignment or stability.
  • WIM (Weigh In Motion): These sensors can be used to weigh the vehicles which are traveling across the bridge. The results can be used together with other sensors to form more full pictures of the bridge condition.
  • Water level sensors: These sensors measure the current water level and waves to indicate the clearance under the bridge, ensuring that ferries and other vessels can safely travel underneath.

All these sensors combined with IoT and AI, can create a smart system that is able to detect early issues, predict future problems and allow real-time monitoring of the bridge’s condition.

Pedestrian bridge monitoring

There are several types of sensors that can be used to monitor pedestrian bridges, including:

  • Accelerometers: These sensors measure vibrations in the bridge, which can indicate heavy foot traffic or structural issues. Accelerometers can also be used to detect possible failures in mechanical parts such as TMD’s (Tuned Mass Dampeners), or measure the comfort level of the bridge to make sure people can walk safely and comfortably across.
  • Displacement sensors: These sensors measure the movement of the bridge’s components, which can indicate changes in alignment or stability.
  • Corrosion sensors: These sensors detect potential corrosion of the bridge’s components, which can weaken the structure over time.
  • People Counter: These sensors are used to detect the number of people on the bridge, which can be used for safety and maintenance purposes.

All these sensors combined with IoT and AI, can create a smart system that is able to detect early issues, predict future problems and allow real-time monitoring of the bridge’s condition.

Concrete bridge monitoring

Sensors can be used to measure various aspects of a concrete bridge, including its structural integrity, temperature, and environmental conditions. Some specific ways sensors can be used to measure concrete bridges include:

  • Strain gauges: These sensors can be used to measure the deformation of the concrete structure, which can indicate changes in stress or tension. This can help detect cracks, deflections, and other issues that could compromise the integrity of the bridge.
  • Temperature sensors: These sensors can be used to measure the temperature of the concrete and surrounding environment, which can indicate changes in temperature that could affect the strength and durability of the concrete.
  • Humidity sensors: These sensors can be used to measure the humidity of the surrounding air, which can be an indicator of potential corrosion or other environmental issues that could affect the bridge’s structural integrity.
  • Ultrasonic testing: This non-destructive testing method can be used to measure the thickness of the concrete and detect any potential cracks, voids or delaminations.
  • Corrosion sensors: These sensors can detect the presence of corrosion on the steel reinforcement within the concrete, which can weaken the structure over time.
  • Inclinometer: These sensors are used to measure the angle of inclination of the bridge, which can indicate changes in alignment or stability.
  • BWIM (Bridge Weigh In Motion): BWIM uses the strain gauges on the bottom of the bridge to estimate vehicle weights while the vehicles are driving across the bridge. Knowing the correct vehicle number can help estimate the fatigue buildup on the bridge.

All these sensors combined with IoT and AI, can create a smart system that is able to detect early issues, predict future problems and allow real-time monitoring of the bridge’s condition.

Synonyms:
Suspension Bridge Monitoring, Foot Bridge Monitoring, Concrete Bridge Monitoring, Bridge sensor monitoring
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