Abstract
Bridge Scour is one of the major causes of bridge failures all around the world and there have been significant efforts for its detection and measurement using different acoustic approaches. In this paper, we propose and investigate an effective method to utilize Received Signal Strength (RSS) for measuring scour depth where acoustic sensors are deployed. We also extend a statistical testing to determine the difference in signal levels at the sensor nodes prior to and after scour formation and subsequently determine the actual depth of scour. Additionally, we make an attempt to evaluate underwater distance and depth using signal strength perceived at the receiver which makes it free from the requirement of accurate receiver-sender synchronization in contrast to Time of Flight (ToF) or Time of Arrival (ToA) techniques. The scour depths are eventually compared for the conditions when the bottom is composed of a single or multiple layers. The simulation results clearly show that different depths are calculated for the case of multilayered bottom (0.8 to 3.9 meters for instance) as compared to a constant depth of 2 meters for the case of a single layered bottom.
Highlights
Bridge scour is considered to be one of the main causes of bridge failures all over the world
There are different techniques that exist for distance measurement in terrestrial wireless communications such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA), Time of Arrival (ToA), Received Signal and Strength Indication (RSSI), and Angle of Arrival (AoA), to name a few
Different values of received signal strengths at the sensor nodes are assumed for two different conditions- the initial one, where the acoustic signals reflect off the solid half layered bottom, which is taken as a reference; and the second one, where a scour has been formed and the bottom has shifted to a certain depth from the reference level
Summary
Bridge scour is considered to be one of the main causes of bridge failures all over the world. Formation of bridge scour is a complex and dynamic process that depends on factors such as the water depth, pier and abutment shape and width, the velocity of flow, composition and material properties of the sediments underneath the water body, and many more. Despite being successful in measuring scour depth, the use of radar and sonar is limited by the fact that they are usually only used to determine the final stage of the sediment distribution around the pier and there is no continuous monitoring. Underwater acoustic communications are mainly influenced by path loss, noise, multi-path, Doppler spread and high and variable propagation delay.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
