Bridge monitoring and assessment by high-resolution satellite remote sensing technologies

Satellite Remote-Sensing has been successfully applied for detection of natural-hazards, (e.g. seismic events, landslides and subsidence) and transport infrastructure monitoring over the last few years. Persistent Scatterer SAR Interferometry (PSI), is a satellite remote sensing technique able to measure ground displacements over the time. More specifically, the PSI technique is an evolution of the DInSAR technique and it is based on a statistical multi-temporal differential interferogram analysis. This allows to determine coherent stable-pixels over a data-stack of SAR images, in order to identify potential ground displacements. This study aims at demonstrating the potential of the PSI technique as an innovative health-monitoring methodology for the structural integrity of bridges. For this purpose, X-Band COSMO-SkyMed images provided by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) were acquired and processed in order to detect structural displacements of the Rochester Bridge in Rochester, UK. Outcomes of this investigation outlined the presence of various PSs over the inspected bridge, which were proven useful to achieve a more comprehensive monitoring methodology and to assess the structural integrity of the bridge. This research paves the way for the development of a novel interpretation approach relying on the integration between remote-sensing technologies and on-site surveys to improve upon current maintenance strategies for bridges and transport assets.