Long-term remote monitoring of prototype orthotropic deck panels on the Bronx Whitestone Bridge for fatigue evaluation

As part of a comprehensive fatigue evaluation of the replacement orthotropic bridge deck on the Bronx Whitestone Bridge in New York City, an in-depth field instrumentation, testing, and monitoring program has been developed and implemented on a two-span prototype orthotropic deck panel located in the main suspended span. The data will be used to validate the laboratory fatigue testing program and establish in situ stress-range histograms at critical details. Controlled load testing has been completed and uncontrolled remote monitoring is currently underway. The remote monitoring will be completed in June 2003. The remote monitoring system utilizes an innovative application of traditional data acquisition coupled with recorded video to accurately establish the type, configuration, and position of trucks producing large stress ranges. The entire system is controlled using a secure high-speed wireless Internet connection from the ATLSS Engineering Center at Lehigh University. This paper will focus on the unique approach to data acquisition and monitoring report and briefly summarize the initial results of the monitoring.