STRUCTURAL MONITORING OF EXPERIMENTAL TIMBER-CONCRETE COMPOSITE BRIDGE

The study presents data collection and data analysis principles and techniques applied for structural monitoring of timber-concrete experimental vehicular bridge. The framework of data acquisition for structural health evaluation is divided in two principal stages, namely, pre-monitoring stage and monitoring stage. Rational decision making and optimization of monitoring technical resources are demonstrated by establishing relationships between the measured variables in a context of the characteristics of the chosen measuring techniques. Field data are collected for two fundamental performance parameters of the structure, i.e. bending strains/stresses and deflection at a critical section of the bridge caused by heavy-duty vehicles. High degree of correlation is found between the two variables (r = 0.98) upon which any consequent monitoring activities can be based only on one measurement method found most suitable for long term technical conditions. As a result statistics of the other structural parameter can be derived by the established regression function. Furthermore, differences and causes of data dispersion obtained within the pre-monitoring stage are briefly discussed as well as some basic recommendations regarding the improvement of data reliability of both measuring techniques.