Real-Time Data Processing, Analysis and Visualization for Structural Monitoring of the Confederation Bridge

Numerous structural monitoring systems have been developed and installed in the field to collect information on the performance and behaviour of civil engineering structures and systems, such as buildings and bridges. The processing and analysis of large datasets collected from continuous monitoring systems often require a significant amount of time and effort. In order to accelerate the processing of these continuous monitoring data and to facilitate more rapid data analysis, and more timely interpretation and use of the results, a real-time data processing and analysis application platform has been developed which encompasses all aspects of data manipulation. This application platform consists of data processing, analysis and visualization modules, all integrated through graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The applications are designed and adapted to run in a real-time mode by automatically sorting incoming data and re-directing it to the processing and animation modules for graphic display of bridge displacements and motion in near real-time, as limited by the network speed. With this capability, after the occurrence of extreme events such as windstorms, earthquakes or ship impacts, bridge responses and condition of the facility can be assessed in a timely manner for decision support of its operation. The research opportunities that can be explored using the computer tool applications presented in this paper are illustrated by a discussion of recent research results.