Automatically monitor and detect bridge structure abnormalities remotely

The monitoring of the structure to detect small damage in the structure is an extremely important issue, especially for bridges, roads and high buildings. Currently, the problem of monitoring the health of the structure has been studied and applied quite widely around the world.

The main monitoring methods in the world today are destructive and non-destructive methods. The above two methods still have some disadvantages. For example, the destructive method forces the structure to stop the operation for dismantling, leading to expense in terms of time and cost. The great limitation of the non-destructive method is that it needs to be measured periodically, which requires great working efforts, and direct participation of experts in structural damage analysis, but it cannot detect immediate damage, leading to delays in troubleshooting, endangering structures and causing damage to people and property.

Patent of Utility Solution No. 0-20002722 "The process of automatically monitoring and detecting abnormalities of bridge structures remotely" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa, Institute of Mechanics, has overcome the above disadvantages.

The solution has built an automatic process that monitors the structure continuously over time, and analyzes this oscillation signal to ensure immediate detection when damage occurs. Through a structure-mounted 3-way sensor and a microprocessor that controls measurement and data transmission, the sensor can communicate remotely to measure and when the vibration signal exceeds the preset threshold, it will be transmitted to the central computer for analysis via 3G communication network. Therefore, anywhere with 3G coverage, and the fluctuations of the bridges at all times are easily identified and traced.

The sensor only transmits data when a preset threshold is exceeded, so it doesn't have to analyze and store the entire bridge oscillation. This minimizes data storage memory and eliminates meaningless data analysis. Another advantage is the wireless data transmission, without the need for human presence in the field.

The oscillation signal will be automatically analyzed, abnormal fluctuations or damage will be analyzed and detected. The frequency-damage relationship can help determine the damage level, and simultaneous 3-dimensional oscillating signals can help detect the cause of the damage. Therefore, warnings can be put forth to managers for reinforcement and preventive repair.

Sensors placed on the bridge connect to the central computer via the Internet

Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version