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Smart Structures and Systems Volume 6, Number 3, April 2010 , pages 277-290 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/sss.2010.6.3.277 |
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Wireless structural health monitoring of bridges: present and future |
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Neil A. Hoult, Paul R.A. Fidler, Peter G. Hill and Campbell R. Middleton
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| Abstract | ||
| Internationally the load carrying capacity of bridges is decreasing due to material deterioration while at the same time increasing live loads mean that they are often exposed to stresses for which they were not designed. However there are limited resources available to ensure that these bridges are fit for purpose, meaning that new approaches to bridge maintenance are required that optimize both their service lives as well as maintenance costs. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) provide a tool that could support such an optimized maintenance program. In many situations WSNs have advantages over conventional wired monitoring systems in terms of installation time and cost. In order to evaluate the potential of these systems two WSNs were installed starting in July 2007 on the Humber Bridge and on a nearby approach bridge. As part of a corrosion prevention strategy, a relative humidity and temperature monitoring system was installed in the north anchorage chambers of the main suspension bridge where the main cables of the bridge are anchored into the foundation. This system allows the Bridgemaster to check whether the maximum relative humidity threshold, above which corrosion of the steel wires might occur, is not crossed. A second WSN which monitors aspects of deterioration on a reinforced concrete bridge located on the approach to the main suspension bridge was also installed. Though both systems have provided useful data to the owners, there are still challenges that must be overcome in terms of monitoring corrosion of steel, measuring live loading and data management before WSNs can become an effective tool for bridge managers. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| bridges; bridge inspection; bridge maintenance; monitoring; corrosion; weighing devices. | ||
| Address | ||
| Neil A. Hoult; Department of Civil Engineering, Queen\'s University, 58 University Ave., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada Paul R.A. Fidler; Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington St., Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK Peter G. Hill; Humber Bridge Board, Ferriby Rd., Hessle, HU13 0JG, UK Campbell R. Middleton; Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington St., Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK | ||