Bridge monitoring – General
Bridges represent pivotal components within the domain of transport infrastructure, exerting a substantial influence on mobility and economic growth. However, due to mounting traffic volumes and loads, intensifying weather conditions and progressive ageing, numerous bridges are exhibiting substantial damage, thereby endangering their load-bearing capacity and safety. This predicament is further compounded by the absence of timely implementation of essential maintenance procedures. Concurrently, constrained financial resources and the substantial expense of conventional inspection methodologies impede the feasibility of regular inspections.
In addressing these challenges Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), emerges as a promising solution. This approach utilizes modern sensors and digital technologies to record and analyse structural responses in real time, including deformations, vibration parameters, and other indicators of damage. The benefits of SHM include the early identification of critical conditions and a more precise assessment of the remaining service life of bridges. Consequently, SHM plays a crucial role in extending the service life and optimising maintenance measures.
In this regard, the Institute of Solid Structures is undertaking investigations into innovative approaches and methods to further advance existing monitoring technologies and broaden their potential applications. The overarching objective is to address research gaps with a view to contributing to the sustainable protection of transport infrastructure.
Bridge monitoring – Current research projects
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