NaviGadget

Bridge Deflection Monitoring via Kinematic GPS

Feb 6, 2006 gps navigation, misc news

Many bridges around the world experience traffic loading greater than that initially anticipated. Major bridges are designed and planned with specific predictions of traffic and wind loading, as well as deterioration factors over time. These large structures often move by decimeters, mainly due to traffic and wind loading, but also due to thermal action. Theoretical models of the structures are built for design purposes, but rarely are they compared to real movement measurements of the structure.The use of kinematic GPS is ideal for monitoring these structures, as it allows these deflections to be measured at rates of 10Hz or faster, resulting in 3D movement data for specific locations on the structure. In addition, the resulting movements are in absolute terms, and the equipment requires minimal setting up and calibration. Other current methods (such as the use of accelerometers and/or strain gauges) require much more installation, and at best result in relative displacement data… bridge deflection GPS