A research team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has developed a unique method to monitor the condition of old bridges using traffic data. The team is led by Dr Subhamoy Sen, Associate Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and includes its researcher Eshwar Kuncham.
Through research, the team has addressed the challenges of fatigue-induced damage and gradual deterioration of bridges by focusing on the most critical areas rather than monitoring the entire structure, a press release said.
This involves the development of a digital model of the bridge, which is a detailed virtual replica based on an initial study of the real structure and predicts how different traffic patterns impact various parts of the bridge over time, thus helping to identify areas that are susceptible to damage.
Fatigue-sensitive sensors are then placed at key locations to monitor stress and vibrations on the bridge. Real-time data and traffic patterns from the digital model help experts track how traffic affects the bridge over time.
It also allows them to make necessary adjustments to prevent damage and conduct rapid assessments after events such as earthquakes or floods, helping officials make faster safety decisions.
This approach offers practical and efficient solutions to government agencies and transportation departments to manage aging infrastructure.
Dr Subhamoy Sen highlighted the practical benefits of the research, saying the approach focuses on monitoring only critical areas of a bridge, significantly reducing costs and the need for extensive equipment.
“By leveraging traffic data, we provide real-time assessments and perform timely interventions, ensuring the safety and longevity of the bridge without major traffic disruptions,” he added.
It is worth noting that the research has been published in the journal Structural Health Monitoring.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.