Plan for Structural Health Monitoring of the Indian Rive Inlet Bridge

摘要

A comprehensive structural health monitoring system has been designed for Delaware’s innovative Indian River Inlet Bridge. The system was conceived and integrated into the design from the onset of the design phase, i.e., it was not an “after thought.” To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first time a large scale, comprehensive SHM system has been developed as part of the original design for a large signature bridge in the U.S. Due to budgetary issues, the Indian River Inlet bridge will not be built as originally designed; an alternative, less expensive form will be sought. Nevertheless, the owners are committed to having a monitoring system on the new bridge. Thus, as the new design is developed, the plans for the SHM system will be adapted to the new structure, accordingly. The experience gained from this project by the researchers, owners and designers will be invaluable to the success of this project, and others like it in the future. The broader implication of the monitoring program is to contribute to the bridge community’s knowledge about bridge behavior during construction and service. In the long term, such knowledge will contribute to better designs and more effective bridge management systems, ensuring that valuable resources are spent where they are most needed.