This paper presents an approach to use strain data from a multi-girder, composite steel bridge for long-term Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The bridge being studied is part of a research project at the University of Connecticut in which long-term SHM systems are being installed on a series of bridges throughout the State of Connecticut. Strain data is collected from normal truck traffic to determine live load stresses, load distribution factors, and the location of the neutral axis in each girder. Known weight trucks were used along with a finite element analysis for verification of the behavior. The long-term monitoring approach is based on determining the live load distribution factors, peak strains, and the neutral axis locations. The goal is to use existing, readily applied technology for SHM for long-term use on bridges that have raised concerns, due to corrosion noted in routine visual inspections, overloading, or fatigue sensitive details. The SHM system proposed can be used on a continuous basis to determine if there are significant changes in the structural behavior that would be indicative of major damage to either the girders or the concrete deck.
This technical paper discusses the implementation of a long-term bridge weigh-in-motion system for use in determining gross vehicle weights of trucks crossing steel girder bridges. The system uses strain data to determine truck weights using an existing structural health monitoring system installed on a interstate highway bridge. The applied system has the advantage of not using any axle detectors in the roadway; and instead all analyses are performed using strain gauges attached directly to the steel girders, providing for a long-term monitoring system with minimal maintenance. Long-term data has been used to demonstrate that this method can be readily applied to gain important information on the quantity and weights of the trucks crossing the highway bridge.
A joint effort between the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the University of Connecticut has been underway for more than 20 years to utilize various structural monitoring approaches to assess different bridges in Connecticut. This has been done to determine the performance of existing bridges, refi ne techniques needed to evaluate different bridge components, and develop approaches that can be used to provide a continuous status of a bridge's structural integrity. This paper briefl y introduces the background of these studies, with emphasis on recent research and the development of structural health monitoring concepts. This paper presents the results from three different bridge types: a post-tensioned curved concrete box girder bridge, a curved steel box-girder bridge, and a steel multi-girder bridge. The structural health monitoring approaches to be discussed have been successfully tested using fi eld data collected during multi-year monitoring periods, and are based on vibrations, rotations and strains. The goal has been to develop cost-effective strategies to provide critical information needed to manage the State of Connecticut's bridge infrastructure.
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