Assessing the potential value of bridge monitoring systems

Abstract

On-going developments in smart technologies such as wireless sensor networks, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), computer vision, fibre optics and advanced data interpretation techniques may revolutionise structural health monitoring (SHM). Dedicated SHM of bridge assets has the potential to produce valuable data-sets and provide owners and managers with information to aid with key questions such as: current performance, margins of safety, actual loading, stress history and risk of fatigue, extent of deterioration and residual life.However, the parameters measured and value of the data obtained will differ when viewed from the perspectives of different stakeholders such as asset owners, designers, contractors and researchers. In this paper the purposes of monitoring are reviewed. A methodology is proposed to facilitate formal discussions between the key stakeholders before any deployment is specified and to ensure that scarce resources are not wasted in the pursuit of data as opposed to information. This approach can be used to determine if there is a prima facie case for the specification of SHM on a project and assess the potential value of any information that may be obtained. The developed methodology has been trialled with five historical monitoring case studies on bridges with which the authors are familiar.

Online early damage detection and localisation using multivariate data analysis: Application to a cable‐stayed bridge

“…In the last decades, several bridges all over the world have been provided with structural monitoring systems . However, notwithstanding the large efforts placed on the development of SHM technologies, it has been argued that in only a few cases, SHM systems have clearly demonstrated their value to asset managers . In fact, these systems often include a large number of sensors and generate big amounts of data, which in many circumstances is difficult to use and to interpret .…”

Assessing the Potential Value of a SHM Deployment on a Proposed Footbridge

“…Once the aims of the SHM system have been initially established, a structured process is needed to decide whether monitoring will yield actual value. Vardanega et al (2016) have proposed a methodology that (prior to any deployment) brings together (arguably) the three key stakeholders: the 'SHM engineer', 'structural engineer' and 'asset manager' to participate in a facilitated discussion. Table 1 shows the nine questions that are proposed for the structured discussion, divided into three sections each to be answered by the 'SHM engineer', 'structural engineer' and 'asset manager' respectively.…”

“…Each question is rated 1 to 5 by the relevant stakeholder (see Table 2) and these scores are averaged to provide a simple metric that relates to a project value statement. The framework provides structure to the discussion and is centered on the likeliness of the project 'to yield value to the asset owner/manager' (Vardanega et al, 2016). In this paper, this methodology is applied to the proposed FRP footbridge.…”

Management of structural monitoring data of bridges using BIM

“…Critical infrastructure assets justify the additional investment in structural performance monitoring systems because unexpected failures and breakdowns would represent significant losses. Nowadays, owing to advancements in sensing technologies that reduce fabrication and installation costs while increasing reliability, these types of investments are becoming easier to substantiate and methods have been developed to identify their potential value (Vardanega et al, 2016). Moreover, data acquired by these systems can be used to devise strategies to reduce operational and maintenance costs, improve performance and quality, validate structural solutions, and develop more efficient designs and construction processes for future projects.…”