Wireless Sensor Solutions Research Articles

Deployment of a dense hybrid wireless sensing system for bridge assessment

Discussed in this paper is the deployment of a dense wireless sensor system on a short span integral abutment bridge superstructure located in St. Lawrence County, New York. The Wireless Sensor Solution (WSS) is designed specifically for diagnostic bridge monitoring providing independent conditioning for accelerometers and strain transducers. During deployment, strain measurements are obtained in real-time under ambient environmental and traffic loading. Strain transducers are placed at various locations along the girders, including the top and bottom flanges of a heavily instrumented interior girder at the mid-span and the abutment ends where the neutral axis location, section modulus, and girder moments are obtained. Results from the strain data analysis aid in quantifying the bridge response; notably, detection of end fixity, load distribution, and composite action between the girders and bridge deck. The measured responses are illustrated to propose a deterioration profile based on the level of capacity and demand.