Monitoring Bridge Deterioration Using Sensors

Structural health monitoring is a vital part in the management of bridges, particularly as the structures begin to age. Detecting structural faults through the use of sensors is an emerging field that has seen considerable efforts this past decade. Similarly, the use of sensors in bridge management systems provides valuable data on the condition of bridges and external factors affecting the deterioration of bridges such as the traffic load endured by the structures. We review both cases of visual and vibration based monitoring of bridges and showcase an on-line monitoring system for the collection of traffic information.