Abstract: Bridge integrity is recognized as a complex issue, with visual inspection currently being the prime technique for determining structural health. For instrumentation to contribute to such determination, high cost effectiveness is mandatory. Potential bridge instrumentation functions are outlined with a cost comparison between conventional strain gages and a distributed fiber optic system. Because of the lack of a static model to assess overall bridge integrity from localized strain/displacement data, collaboration is suggested with dynamic methods to mutually determine structural health on as a 3-D or global basis. Examples of several types of bridges are presented, with suggested fiber optic instrumentation. Known fiber optic bridge installations are reviewed and two new fiber optic sensing developments are presented as uniquely applicable to cost- effective bridge integrity determination. !12
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