Critical Issues, Condition Assessment and Monitoring of Movable Bridges: Image Processing for Open Gear Monitoring

Abstract

Movable bridges are one of the least studied bridge types. In this paper, examples from a movable bridge evaluation study are presented based on the research conducted on a movable bridge in Florida over the last several years. Movable bridges face operational and maintenance challenges mainly due to complex structural, mechanical and electrical systems, which at the same time provide their versatility. Although there are a few studies focusing on movable bridges, none of these studies provide a complete list of the problems related to the condition of movable bridge populations in conjunction with possible monitoring applications specific to these bridges. This study summarizes these issues related to movable bridges considering both the structural and mechanical components. After presenting the design and implementation of a monitoring system to a representative bascule bridge, analysis of image data for evaluating the lubrication levels in an open gear is presented. The findings from this analysis are compared with the maintenance logs. It is shown that continuous monitoring may provide invaluable information about safe, reliable and cost-effective operation and maintenance of movable bridges.