Title: Structural Health Management of Concrete Structures using Wireless Sensors

Author(s): M.V. Gangone, M.J. Whelan, and K.D. Janoyan

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 252

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 125-136

Keywords: bridge management; concrete deck; integral abutment; load testing; steel girder; strain; structural health monitoring; wireless sensor network

DOI: 10.14359/20161

Date: 3/1/2008

Abstract:
Routine management and maintenance of civil infrastructure is undertaken based on structural health indicators from qualitative information gathered during inspections. The need to measure and collect data reflective of the true state of the infrastructure is crucial for proper management of the system. Presented in this paper are methods for incorporating field measurements for improved condition assessment. A full scale field deployment of a wireless, lowcost and automatic system for structural health management and condition assessment of highway structures is shown to demonstrate the ability of obtaining the necessary behavior characteristics. A short-span integral-abutment bridge was instrumented with a developed wireless sensor system measuring strain, in real time through a single network, monitoring the behavior of the structure under various loading conditions. Measurements validated the performance characteristics of the bridge, including transverse moment distribution, end fixity, and composite action of the girders and bridge deck.