Bridges endure repeated cyclic loading, including traffic, wind, and environmental conditions. These stresses can over time weaken the integrity of structures, leading to potential catastrophic failures.
The method uses digital models to predict weak spots on bridges and strategically place sensors, allowing real-time monitoring and quick action without large equipment or traffic disruptions.
The approach focuses on the most vulnerable parts of a bridge, allowing agencies to optimize budgets, target high-risk areas and make faster decisions in emergencies such as earthquakes or floods, improving public safety.
"Our approach focuses on monitoring only the critical zones of a bridge, significantly reducing costs and the need for extensive equipment," said Dr Subhamoy Sen, associate professor at IIT Mandi's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Sen added that the method leverages traffic data "to provide real-time assessments and timely interventions, ensuring the safety and longevity of the bridge without major traffic disruptions."
The method focuses on the most critical areas instead of monitoring the entire structure.
In the research, published in the journal Structural Health Monitoring, the team described the innovative approach by developing a digital model of the bridge to predict how different traffic patterns impact various parts of the bridge over time.
This helped experts identify areas most susceptible to damage, where fatigue-sensitive sensors could be installed to monitor stress and vibrations.
This real-time data, combined with traffic patterns from the digital model, allowed experts to track how traffic affects the bridge over time, the team said. If necessary, adjustments can be made to traffic flow and speed to ensure the safety of the bridge and prevent damage.
Once the initial configuration is complete, regular monitoring can be performed by less specialized personnel, further reducing costs and facilitating application to multiple bridges.
The method uses digital models to predict weak spots on bridges and strategically place sensors, allowing real-time monitoring and quick action without large equipment or traffic disruptions.
The approach focuses on the most vulnerable parts of a bridge, allowing agencies to optimize budgets, target high-risk areas and make faster decisions in emergencies such as earthquakes or floods, improving public safety.
"Our approach focuses on monitoring only the critical zones of a bridge, significantly reducing costs and the need for extensive equipment," said Dr Subhamoy Sen, associate professor at IIT Mandi's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Sen added that the method leverages traffic data "to provide real-time assessments and timely interventions, ensuring the safety and longevity of the bridge without major traffic disruptions."
The method focuses on the most critical areas instead of monitoring the entire structure.
In the research, published in the journal Structural Health Monitoring, the team described the innovative approach by developing a digital model of the bridge to predict how different traffic patterns impact various parts of the bridge over time.
This helped experts identify areas most susceptible to damage, where fatigue-sensitive sensors could be installed to monitor stress and vibrations.
This real-time data, combined with traffic patterns from the digital model, allowed experts to track how traffic affects the bridge over time, the team said. If necessary, adjustments can be made to traffic flow and speed to ensure the safety of the bridge and prevent damage.
Once the initial configuration is complete, regular monitoring can be performed by less specialized personnel, further reducing costs and facilitating application to multiple bridges.
