Title: Instrumentation, Monitoring and Load Testing of the Champlain Bridge

Author(s): Dominic Lavigne

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 342

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 60-79

Keywords: Champlain Bridge, concrete bridge, JCCBI, monitoring, optical strain sensors, structural health monitoring, SHM

DOI: 10.14359/51725937

Date: 6/1/2020

Abstract:
This paper presents the methods used by Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) to monitor the Champlain Bridge in its maintenance and structural monitoring program. The monitoring program, which was established in 2012 and increased in scope over time to obtain a clearer picture of the state and behavior of the Champlain Bridge, allows continual monitoring of the structural behavior of the bridge by monitoring critical members flexural response. Established key performance indicators detectable by the equipment are used to alert JCCBI to react quickly to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. This paper describes the instrumentation and monitoring of the edge girders of 50 concrete spans and 45 pier caps of the Champlain Bridge, using optical sensors for recording strains on these elements. Over 330 optical sensors were installed on the bridge to record data continuously at 50 Hz. Such data contains invaluable information for monitoring the bridge response and can provide early warnings to indicate structural degradation. Through these means, amongst others, JCCBI preventively manage the risks associated with this vital infrastructure reaching the end of its service life.