ABSTRACT
The application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems to structures has proven to provide key performance statistics of bridges post-construction, which was not previously possible. Analysis of statistics logged by SHM is very useful in understanding the behaviour of these structures under various sets of circumstances.
This paper discusses a variety of recently implemented SHM systems on concrete bridges. Implementation of SHM systems greatly reduces ambiguity in relation to material properties and structural capacity, and optimises inspection and maintenance programmes. The versatile range of applications presented was developed with the input of structure owners and design engineers, and an in-depth case study on concrete box girder bridges in a subsidence area is included.
Both static and dynamic approaches were adopted, and they successfully demonstrated the necessity and ease of use of such systems. The immense gains in efficiency that SHM systems offer over alternative manual monitoring methods are also discussed.
