Analysis of bridge deformations using real-time BDS measurements

Abstract

In this paper, we analysed the performance of real-time BDS monitoring system to determine the deformations and vibration of a cable-stayed bridge in Wuhan, China. Two experiments were carried out using reference stations at 2 km to the middle span of the bridge, and the monitoring points placed on the top of the tower, directly at the middle span of the bridge and at the bridge pier. Based on these sites, the precision of BDS deformation monitoring can be assessed and the structural vibration monitoring effect can also be analysed. The experiments demonstrate that, the precision of BDS-based deformation monitoring can be comparable with GPS, and the modal frequency of the bridge obtained by BDS vibration test is very close to the design value. The paper concludes that BDS is capable of providing high precision deflection and accurate modal frequency information in real-time bridge deformation monitoring.