A Simplified Methodology for Condition Assessment of Bridge Bearings Using Vibration Based Structural Health Monitoring Techniques

The mechanical properties of bridge bearings gradually deteriorate over time resulting from daily traffic loading and harsh environmental conditions. However, structural health monitoring in-service is rather challenging. This study presents a bearing condition assessment framework which integrates the vibration data non-contact interferometric radar (i.e. IBIS-S) simplified analytical model. Using two existing concrete bridges in Australia as case study, it demonstrates that developed has capability detecting real-time. In addition, results series parametric studies show effectiveness largely determined by stiffness ratio between girder ([Formula: see text], i.e. can only be effectively captured when value [Formula: text] ranges 1/100 100.