Monitoring of bridges to detect changes in structural health

Abstract

Discusses the development and implementation of a relatively low-cost health monitoring system via telemetry. The subject of the studies is the Hormiguero bridge spanning the Cauca River in Colombia. This system is being implemented for real-time monitoring of accelerations of the bridge using the Colombian Southwest Earthquake Observatory telemetry system. This two-span metallic bridge, located along a critical road between the cities of Puerto Tejada and Cali in the Cauca Valley, was constructed approximately 50 years ago. Experiences with this system demonstrate how effective low cost systems can be used to remotely monitor the structural integrity of deteriorating structures that are continuously subjected to high loading conditions. The paper discusses the health monitoring system and provide some results based on the data acquired from this system.