Development of a smart timber bridge - a five-year plan

Abstract

This paper outlines a 5-year research plan for the development of a structural health monitoring system for timber bridges. A series of studies identify and evaluate various sensing technologies for measurement of structural adequacy and/or deterioration parameters. The overall goal is to develop a turn-key system to analyze, monitor, and report on the performance and condition of timber bridges. The introduction of structural health monitoring technologies for timber bridges should result in improved safety, longer service life, and improved load ratings.

Active Control Of Smart Tensegrity Structures

“…It can be found in the literature (Wilde [14]; Phares [15]; Eckhoff et al [16]) that the terms: "active control" and "structural health monitoring" are used interchangeably. However, the author suggests distinguishing between the two of them.…”

Structural health monitoring of timber structures – Review of available methods and case studies

“…The follow up project, which is currently ongoing, is called Development of Smart Timber Bridge and it is focused on the evaluation and development of sensors for timber elements and on the development of a turn-key SHM system for timber bridges [170]. Regarding sensors, the initial focus was on the use of FBGbased sensors to measure strains (see Sub-section 5.5.3) [145], but their vulnerability to damage during handling and production led to the use of traditional resistive strain sensors mounted on a steel shim instead (see Sub-section 5.5.1) [107].…”