Mandi
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have created a new method to monitor the health of ageing bridges using traffic data in real-time. This innovative approach involves digital modelling to identify potential weak points on a bridge and strategically placing sensors for monitoring, reducing the need for heavy equipment and avoiding major traffic disruptions.
Bridges face repeated stress from traffic, wind, and environmental conditions, which can weaken their structure over time. The new method developed by IIT Mandi’s team focuses on the most vulnerable areas of a bridge, allowing for targeted monitoring and quicker response during emergencies like earthquakes or floods.
‘Our method concentrates on critical zones, cutting costs and equipment needs,’ explained Subhamoy Sen, Associate Professor at IIT Mandi’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He added that using traffic data helps provide real-time assessments, ensuring bridge safety without causing traffic delays.
The research, published in the journal ‘Structural Health Monitoring,’ shows how traffic patterns can impact different parts of a bridge over time. By identifying areas most at risk, sensors can be placed to monitor stress and vibrations effectively. This data allows experts to adjust traffic flow and speed to prevent further damage.
Once the initial setup is complete, regular monitoring can be managed by less specialised staff, making it cost-effective and applicable to multiple bridges.
