Modern european methods of non-destructive diagnostics of bridge structures

Abstract

Introduction. Various existing methods of non-destructive diagnostics, in particular for diagnostics of bridge structures are analyzed. However, nowadays in different countries of the world the researches are under way on the search for the most informative methods of non-destructive diagnostics of building structures, facilities, in particular bridge structures, which would enable to receive reliable data on the processes occurring in the structures under the influence of various factors. Problem Statement. Existing methods of non-destructive diagnostics which are used for the diagnostics of bridge structures basically consist in periodic placement of sensors on structures. Having gathered information, the sensors are dismantled. Such actions are repeated as the time of the next inspection comes. In addition, measurements are fulfilled only at the discrete points, as the most devices and equipment have a limited operating range of measurements. The small amount of data received and the long interval between their acquisitions cannot provide signaling about the inevitable disaster that may be caused by various impact factors. Purpose. The ultimate goal of the international scientific organization FEHRL, within the framework of which the SENSKIN Consortium works, is to develop a system for monitoring bridge structures in the framework of the international research project «SENSKIN» – «Sensing Skin for monitoring-based maintenance on the transport infrastructure». Conclusions. Participants of the project «SENSKIN», including «DerzhorNDI» SE as a Consortium member, developed the sensors that will collect information on bridges, power supplies, data transmission and processing modules, software and other components of the bridge structure monitoring system. At this stage, the prototype of the monitoring system has been tested on the full-scale objects. Current information on the monitoring system can be found on the website of the SENSKIN Consortium http://www.senskin.eu. For more reliable operation of non-standard bridges (the bridges which parameters exceed the limit values according to the adopted classification of bridges) in Ukraine, it is necessary to plan the transition to monitoring of bridge structures using the systems that would enable the acquisition of the necessary information about the state of structures in the event of catastrophic situations that will allow avoiding, in particular, the death of people.