Bridge Monitoring

Absolute 3D Movement

Ageing, nearby works or bridge repair works can often cause bridge movements. Typically, this is by millimetres but can be more severe and over time, unmonitored bridge movement can lead to bridge failure.

Our bridge monitoring solutions are able to detect any movement - either continuously, using our total station and prisms, or manually using our 3D scanning equipment.

Bridge Load/Deflection Monitoring

By placing displacement sensors underneath the deck, we can provide a strong assessment of the structural integrity of a bridge at different loads.

Our bridge monitoring systems include displacement sensors. These are placed underneath the deck, where we then provide a strong assessment of the bridge’s structural integrity at different loads.

Our solutions provide assurance that a bridge remains safe under load or alternatively, requires a maintenance and repair plan.

Our experts also have extensive experience monitoring load throughout bridge jacking and de-jacking operations ensuring optimum safety at all times.

Abutment and Pier monitoring

Movement or degradation in the bridge’s abutments or piers can impact the overall structural health of the bridge. As key components of the bridge, these often perform as part of our full bridge safety monitoring system.

Soft ground conditions below bridges present settlement and stability issues for abutments. Conversely, well compacted, heavy material around the base of an abutment can cause rotation, which can lead to full expansion joint closure or even bowing of the deck in more serious cases. 

Our bridge monitoring solutions detect any adverse ground conditions, mitigating the possibility of such risks.

Bridge crack monitoring

Bridge crack monitoring is one of the most important aspects of structural health monitoring. Cracks will occur in most bridge structures and are often the first signs of more serious defects. 

Using tailored bridge monitoring solutions, we record and observe the changes in crack behaviour in real-time, providing much more accurate and detailed insight than visual inspections. Structural health monitoring of bridges ensures that potential failures are detected at an early stage, helping bridges remain safe and in good structural health.

Bearing Monitoring

Our bearing monitoring systems identify potential structural damage to bridge bearings. Often the result of environmental conditions, road residue and general fatigue, ceased bearings can be catastrophic for the bridge deck and pier.

Our bridge monitoring displacement sensors help mitigate such risks. Data is collected in real-time, helping identify maintenance requirements, plan costs and ultimately ensure the bridge remains safe.

We also have bearing monitoring solutions to measure the temperature of concrete, in order to identify potential thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge.

Expansion Joint Monitoring

Residues and grit from the road can cause corrosion and blockages on the bridge’s expansion joints. This can affect the expansion properties of the bridge, which in turn can cause deck seizure.

Monitored movement changes outside the normal expansion of the bridge can also identify any expansion joints affected by corrosion or blockages. As well, bridge monitoring can detect the need to replace any steel expansion joints before these issues occur.