Central Europe
steel bridge
6D sensor
A historic steel bridge with elastomeric bearings, in need of renovation, serves as a major transportation artery spanning a large river prone to flooding. Since traditional, analog measurement methods at the bridge bearings indicated unexpected and ambiguous bearing positions, there was an urgent need for action. To understand the structural behavior under natural conditions and to collect data for future renovations, a reliable database had to be established.
The operator needed a system that would provide precise insights into the structure’s kinematics and make measurement data digitally accessible at any time. The goal was to define a so-called “baseline” based on the first year of monitoring so that deviations could be immediately in subsequent years.
The steel bridge was equipped with high-precision 6D sensors from SuessCo Sensors. The measurement setup included monitoring of the bridge bearings as well as precise gap measurement at the abutment. For continuous long-term monitoring, strategically important bearings were equipped with the sensors to continuously record all movements in all dimensions, the angles of inclination, and the temperature directly on the structure.
During an extreme flood, the system transmitted structural data in real time to enable an immediate assessment of the situation. The sensors recorded extreme movements over a two-day period that were equivalent to those typically observed over many months. However, analysis showed that these movements were triggered purely thermally by a simultaneous drop in temperature; as the structure warmed up, it returned completely to its original state. The water pressure did not cause any permanent damage, which is why the operator was able to avoid a preventive closure. In the long term, the project provides valuable insights into the resilience and maintenance cycles of older infrastructure, thereby optimizing strategic asset management.
During the consultation, we’ll determine which sensors are right for your project and how quickly they can be installed. No obligation, no preparation required.
