Low cost dynamic structural identification system for extensive bridge monitoring

Abstract

A complete system for dynamic structural identification test under ambient loads is presented. The main objective of these improvements is to achieve significant cost reductions. In this way the system can be suitable for application to a large number of structures within the framework of a comprehensive optimal maintenance program of structures. To achieve this cost reduction of the tests, the following improvements have been introduced: (a) a complete wireless system to acquire sensor data, (b) a wireless localization system that permits referring sensors to a local coordinate system. This localization system has been the object of recent patent, and ( c) finally, further developments of software aimed to diminishing human intervention in the structural identification process. In case of standard bridge monitoring the application of above improvements can achieve the generation of an automatic identification report. This goal is to be attained eventually, and to which the described developments contribute. Therefore these improvements can reduce engineer's intervention mainly to propose general guidelines for a suitable sensors placement.