Structural health monitoring for bridge management

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a new technology in bridge and structure engineering and its integration into bridge and structures management has not yet been determined. The technology involves tracking of any aspect of a bridges health by using reliably measured data and analytical simulations in conjunction with heuristic experience so that the current and expected future performance of the bridge for at least the most critical limit events can be described in a proactive manner. SHM has clear advantages over traditional Non Destructive Testing and Evaluation because once the monitoring is installed data flow is continuous. SHM can be visualised as measuring the 'interior' bridge condition. Bridge inspection programmes are focussed on measuring the 'exterior' bridge condition. Performance measures for bridges are being developed as the industry better understands and defines the holistic asset management inputs required to maximise the effectiveness of limited budgets and be able to present the outcomes to the wider community. Performance Indicators for bridge Essentiality, Functionality, Serviceability, Safety and Stability are being considered. Structural indicators being considered include Condition, Reliability, Risk and Work Record. Recent research has shown that risk based condition measures correlate well with bridge funding investment and it has been determined that if SHM can be integrated into the performance measures then more robust data will be available and SHM will be more readily justified. The paper considers these matters presenting options for integrating SHM data into the full range of likely performance indicators. It is recognised that SHM data will need to be collected in order for specific algorithms for the performance measures to be developed and to calibrate the performance indicators. With the development of robust performance indicators informed and transparent bridge management decision making will be achieved, and, enhanced bridge management reporting will be possible.