Abstract
Vision-based technologies are becoming ubiquitous when considering sensing systems for measuring the response of structures. Availability of proprietary camera systems has opened up the scope for many bridge monitoring projects. Even though structural response can be measured at high accuracies when analyzing target motions, the main limitations to achieving even better results are camera costs and image resolution. Conventional camera systems capture either the entire structure or large/small part of it. This study introduces a low-cost robotic camera system (RCS) for accurate measurement collection of structural response. The RCS automatically captures images of parts of a structure under loading, therefore, (i) giving a higher pixel density than conventional cameras capturing the entire structure, thus allowing for greater measurement accuracy, and (ii) capturing multiple parts of the structure. The proposed camera system consists of a modified action camera with a zoom lens, a robotic mechanism for camera rotation, and open-source software which enables wireless communication. A data processing strategy, together with image processing techniques, is introduced and explained. A laboratory beam subjected to static loading serves to evaluate the performance of the RCS. The response of the beam is also monitored with contact sensors and calculated from images captured with a smartphone. The RCS provides accurate response measurements. Such camera systems could be employed for long-term bridge monitoring, in which strains are collected at strategic locations, and response time-histories are formed for further analysis.
Highlights
Aging infrastructure needs a prudent and accurate assessment for the assurance of its components, such as bridges being fit for purpose and safe to use
The robotic camera system (RCS) provides accurate response measurements. Such camera systems could be employed for long-term bridge monitoring, in which strains are collected at strategic locations, and response time-histories are formed for further analysis
We propose to develop an open-source and low-cost robotic camera system capable of accurately and repeatedly capturing images of parts of a structure under monitoring
Summary
Aging infrastructure needs a prudent and accurate assessment for the assurance of its components, such as bridges being fit for purpose and safe to use. Structural health monitoring (SHM) deals with measurement collection and interpretation, providing means of capturing response and dealing with challenges related to measurement interpretation and condition assessment [1]. The first challenge in SHM is the collection of reliable measurements. Wireless sensors, sensing sheets, and global positioning systems are just a few of the sensing technologies successfully employed in bridge monitoring [2,3,4,5]. The installation of contact sensors requires direct access to a structure, which may be disruptive and expensive, and involve working at height. Non-contact sensing systems such cameras and lasers have advantages over conventional contact sensor systems, especially when considering access to the structure and system installation as well as maintenance costs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
