Monitoring the dynamic behavior of the Merlynston Creek Bridge using interferometric radar sensors and finite element modeling

Bridges play an important role in economic development and bring important social benefits. The development of innovative bridge monitoring techniques will enable road authorities to optimize operational and maintenance activities for bridges. However, monitoring the dynamic behavior of a bridge requires a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the bridge and traffic loading which has not been fully achieved so far. In the present study, an integrated bridge health monitoring framework is developed using advanced 3D Finite Element modeling in conjunction with Weight-in-motion (WIM) technology and interferometric radar sensors (IBIS-S). The realistic traffic loads imposed on the bridge will be obtained through calibration and validation of traffic loading prediction model using real-time bridge dynamic behavior captured by IBIS-S and WIM data. Using the Merlynston Creek Bridge in Melbourne, Australia as a case study, it demonstrated that the proposed bridge monitoring framework can both efficiently and accurately capture the real-time dynamic behavior of the bridge under traffic loading as well as the dynamic characteristics of the bridge. The outcomes from this research could potentially enhance the durability of bridges which is an important component of the sustainability of transport infrastructure.