Application of Multi-Monitoring Information for Bridge Safety Evaluation

Abstract

Due to large flexibility in cable-stayed bridges, vibrations induced by seismic, traffic and wind loads are more significant than those in other types of bridges. These vibrations may cause structural damage, such as fatigue in stay cables, large deflection in main girder, etc. The objective of this paper is to investigate long-term dynamic characteristics of the Kao Ping Hsi cable-stayed bridge subjected to different external force conditions by using a bridge health monitoring system (BHMS). The bridge has been bearing the loads of traffic for more than a decade. To ensure the safety of the Bridge, the Bureau has developed a BHMS for the long-term monitoring of the overall structural safety over the entire operation stage in terms of seismic response, wind resisting response and cable vibration, as well as travel comfort. The BHMS will provide multi-alarm information for the study of bridge safety management and maintenance in relation to seismic activities, wind vibration and traffic.