Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have unveiled a novel method for monitoring the health of ageing bridges in real time, leveraging traffic data to enhance structural safety. This innovative approach addresses the challenges posed by repeated cyclic loads such as traffic, wind, and environmental conditions, which can weaken bridge integrity over time and lead to potential failures.

The method employs digital modelling to identify weak spots on bridges, allowing for the strategic placement of sensors. This targeted approach enables real-time monitoring with minimal equipment and disruption to traffic. By focusing on the most vulnerable areas, agencies can optimize budgets, address high-risk zones, and make swift decisions during emergencies like earthquakes or floods, thereby improving public safety.

Dr. Subhamoy Sen, Associate Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IIT Mandi, explained that the method significantly reduces costs and equipment needs by concentrating on critical zones of a bridge. The approach uses traffic data to deliver real-time assessments and timely interventions, ensuring the bridge's safety and longevity without major disruptions.

Published in the journal Structural Health Monitoring, the research details how the team developed a digital model of bridges to predict the impact of various traffic patterns over time. This model helped identify damage-prone areas, where fatigue-sensitive sensors were installed to monitor stress and vibrations. The real-time data, combined with traffic patterns from the digital model, enables ongoing evaluation of how traffic affects the bridge, allowing for adjustments to traffic flow and speed to prevent damage.

Once the initial setup is complete, the method allows for regular monitoring by less specialized personnel, reducing costs and facilitating its application to multiple bridges. This advancement promises to enhance bridge safety and maintenance practices significantly.