Bridge Monitoring Systems and

Data Management Software

Presented by Jesse Grimson

Bridge Diagnostics, Inc.
 Company Background
• Began research in 1987 at the University of Colorado sponsored by
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration. Approximately 40 bridges were tested, modeled, and
analyzed.

• BDI formed in 1989 and began development of Structural Testing

System and as well as custom bridge monitoring systems.

• To date, BDI personnel have tested and/or monitored and evaluated

over 450 structures in the U.S., Asia, Australia and the Middle East
including:

– Steel, Concrete, and Timber Bridges

– Navigation Lock Gates
– Spillway Dam Gates
– Buildings, Railroad Rails, Cranes, etc.
 Structural Monitoring
Systems
• There are many different types of structural
monitoring systems, however, they all fall
under two categories:
1. High-speed data acquisition systems.
2. Low-speed data acquisition system.
• It is very important to determine the type of
data that is required for a specific structure.
• Define the goals for the monitoring system!!
 Structural Monitoring
Systems
• What is a high-speed Structural Monitoring
system?
o Live-load based measurements.
o Faster sample rates on the sensors (50-100Hz).
o Simultaneous sampling on all sensors.
o Could include “Event” based data collection.
 Ex. Overweight vehicles, earthquake response, high
wind conditions.
o Monitoring cable forces through vibration
measurements.
 Structural Monitoring
Systems
• What is a low-speed Structural Monitoring
system?
o Temperature/settlement based measurements.
o Sample rates of 1 sample per second per sensor.
o Typically used to capture slow movements over
the life of the structure.
 Ex. Pier settlement, structure expansion due to
temperature changes, temperature stresses.
 Structural Monitoring
Systems
• Often a combination of high-speed and low-
speed systems are installed to monitor the
various structural response to best determine
the state (“Health”) of the structure.
 Presentation Overview
STRUCTURAL MONITORING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
1. Sensors Network.
2. Data Acquisition System.
3. Power & Communication Options.
4. Data Display & Management Software.
• Web-based management software.
• Real-time data viewing.
• Alarm based warning systems.
5. Installation Services.
6. Technical Support.
 1. Sensor Network

VARIETY OF SENSORS
• There are two main groups of sensors when
discussing Monitoring systems:
• Vibrating Wire Sensors (low-speed only).
• Resistive/Analogue Sensors (high & low speed).
• When selecting sensors it is important to keep in
mind the temperature coefficient of the sensor.
 Vibrating Wire Strain
Sensors
APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
• Designed for long term slow
speed measurements.
• Temperature sensor and
compensation.
• 3000 με range.
• 1 με resolution.
• ±0.1% to ±0.5% F.S.
• -20°C to +80°C.
• Two options for the active
gage length:
• 150mm
• 300mm
• Mounts to steel or concrete
with different mounting
brackets.
 BDI Strain Transducer

APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

• Designed for live-load high-speed measurements.
• Range: ±4000με.
• Sensitivity: ≈ 500 με/Vout/Vext
• Accuracy: <2%, individually calibrated to N.I.S.T. standards.
• Four fully active 350Ω foil gages in a Wheatstone bridge configuration.
• Temperature Range: -50°C to +120°C.
• Sealed and water proof design.
• Attach either with tab/adhesive, welding or concrete anchors.
 BDI Accelerometer

APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

• Designed for live-load vibration measurements.
• ±2g, ±5g, ±10g, ±20g, ±50g and ±100g range.
• 350 Ω MEMS type accelerometer.
• Excitation Voltage: 2 to 10 VDC; Sensitivity: 5.0 to 600 mV/g
• -40°C to +125°C operating temperature range.
• ±0.5% F.S. Non-Linearity.
• Attach either with tab/adhesive, welding or concrete anchors.
• Use on steel, concrete structures and high-tension cables.
 BDI Accelerometer
Applications
• Vibration based cable
force monitoring.
• Using the FFT to
continually monitor
and report the cable
tension.
• Vibration based
bridge monitoring.
• Used to calculate the
fundamental
frequencies of the
bridge and the mode
shapes.
 BDI Precision Tiltmeter
APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
• Used to monitor live-load and
long-term rotation.
• Rotations on bean ends, piers,
columns and towers.
• Range: ±0.5°, ±3.0°, ±10.0°, ±60.0°.
• Resolution: <0.0005 arc degrees.
• < 2% F.S. accuracy*.
• Temp. Range: -54°C to +125°C.
• Temp. Coefficient: 0.1%/degree C

* Higher accuracy models available.

 Precision Settlement
Sensors
APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
• Settlement monitoring system
used to monitor differential
settlement along the length of
a bridge or tunnel.
• Standard Range: 75mm*
• High Resolution < 0.025mm.
• Long term stability.
• Accuracy: ±0.1% F.S.
• -30°C to +80°C range.

* Other Ranges Available.

 Pressure Cell Sensors
APPLICATIONS &
SPECIFICATIONS
• Pressure Cells provide a
direct measurement of the
total pressure.
• Used for bridge abutments
and supports.
• Standard Range: 70kPA-
20MPa
• High Resolution <
0.025mm.
• Accuracy: ±0.1% F.S.
• Linearity: < 0.5% F.S.
• -20°C to +80°C range.
 Displacement Sensors
APPLICATIONS &
SPECIFICATIONS
• Measure expansion or
contraction of joints or
cracks.
• Measure strains in tendons
and steel cables.
• Measure expansion joint
movement.
• Resolution: 0.025% F.S.
• Accuracy: ±0.1% F.S.
• Nonlinearity: < 0.5% F.S.
• -20°C to +80°C range.
 Load Cell Sensors
APPLICATIONS &
SPECIFICATIONS
• Monitor Loads in tension
cables, pile testing, tie-back
rods.
• Monitor loads in supports.
• Several different standard
and custom sizes.
• Range: 100 to 10,000 kN.
• Over Range: 150% F.S.
• Resolution: 0.025% F.S.
• Accuracy: ±0.05% F.S.
• -20°C to +80°C range.
 Wind Direction and Speed
Sensor
APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
• Used to monitor wind speed
and direction on bridge towers.
• 0 to 329 kph range.
• 0.9 kph accuracy.
• Used to calculate the
fundamental frequencies of
the bridge and the mode
shapes.
• 360° range.
• ±3° accuracy.
• -50°C to +50°C
 Relative Air and Humidity
Sensor
APPLICATIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
• Used to monitor the ambient air
and humidity at the bridge site.

• Temp Range: -40°C to +70°C.

• Accuracy: ±0.03°C

• Humidity Range: 0.8% to 100%.

• Accuracy: ±2% (10-90% range),
±4% (0-100% range).
• Temp Range: -20°C to +60°C.
 2. Data Acquisition
System
BASE DATALOGGER SUBSYSTEMS
• The data acquisition subsystems
are the central components of
the entire structural monitoring
system.
• The components consist of all
the analogue and digital signal
processing and data storage.
• Data storage is non-volatile
memory (no data loss).
• Power and battery backup
systems are a key component to
the data acquisition subsystem.
• Battery backup systems to run
the entire system for up to 1
week.
 2. Data Acquisition
System
HIGH-SPEED DATALOGGER SPECIFICATIONS
• A/D Bits: 16
• Scan Rate: 100Hz
• Analog Channels: 28 single-ended (14
differential), individually configured.
• Analog Voltage Range: ±5.0 Vdc
• Control Ports: 3 SDM, 8 I/O
• Measurement Resolution: to 0.33μV
• Memory: 2MB Flash & 2GB external non-volatile
storage.
• Communications Ports: 1 RS-232, 1 CS I/O, 1
Parallel Peripheral.
• Communication Protocols: PakBus, Modbus,
DNP3, FTP, HTTP, XML, POP3, SMTP, Telnet, NTP,
SDI-12, SDM.
• Temperature Range: -55°C to +85°C
 2. Data Acquisition
System
LOW-SPEED DATALOGGER SPECIFICATIONS
• A/D Bits: 13
• Scan Rate: 100Hz
• Analog Channels: 16 single-ended (8 differential),
individually configured.
• Analog Voltage Range: ±5.0 Vdc
• Control Ports: 8 I/O
• Measurement Resolution: to 0.33μV
• Memory: 2MB Flash & 2GB external non-volatile
storage.
• Communications Ports: 1 RS-232, 1 CS I/O, 1 Parallel
Peripheral.
• Communication Protocols: PakBus, Modbus, DNP3, FTP,
HTTP, XML, POP3, SMTP, Telnet, NTP, SDI-12, SDM.
• AM 16/32 can read 16 VW strain gages and thermistors.
• Temperature Range: -55°C to +85°C
AM16/32 16-Channel VW Sensor DAQ
 Power Options
POWER SPECIFICATIONS
• AC powered systems with integral
battery back-up system.
• Input Voltage Range: 85 to 264 VAC.
• Solar Panel options for locations
without AC power.
• Integral charge control unit.
• Integrated 12VDC Battery Back-up
system in every datalogger location.
• Battery: 12VDC 108 Amp (24Hr)
Maintenance free AGM, operate from
10-13 years unattended.
• Operating time on Battery: ≈10 days.
 Camera Options
Capture Photograph of Vehicle as it Crosses Bridge
 3. Communications
System
MODEM SPECIFICATIONS
• Advanced Remote Monitoring and Control for
Industrial Machine-to-Machine (M2M).
• Class 1 Div 2 certified.
• Security:
• IPsec VPN
• Firewall
• Port filtering
• Port forwarding
• NAT
• Network Technology:
• GPRS (MS-12)
• Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• EV-DO Rev A . With fallback to CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev 0,
CDMA 1xRTT. 800 MHz Cellular, 1900 MHz PCS.
• Host Interface:
• RS-232:DB9 (1200 – 230400 baud)
MODEM REQUIREMENTS
• USB 2.0 (Mini-B5) • GPRS data service plan with local service
• Antenna Connection: 50 Ohm SMA
provider.
• I/O Ports: 2 Digital
 3. Communications
System
COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL
SOFTWARE
• Auto communication and
data collection software.
• Tracks communication status
and errors.
• Custom configuration for
auto data collection.
 Remote Communication
Options
• A digital cellular modem is the most typical mode for
remote communications, depending on the coverage
area.
• A direct Ethernet line can also be used.
• Satellite communication can be set up in remote areas
where no other option is available.

Next: Data Display & Management Software.

 4. Data Display &
Management Software
• One of the most important items to any structural
monitoring system is how the data is managed and
used!!
• BDI offers a complete solution so that the owners can
focus on the decisions and not with data manipulation.
• BDI will completely configure the monitoring system
management software prior to installation so the system
is ready to operate after the hardware installation.
• The client will have full access through a dedicated site
for the structure.
 Custom Web-Based Data
Management
• Powerful web-based
access control, allows
complete control over
user access to the data.
• Multiple user access
accounts and privilege
settings.
• Secure data management
with near real-time data
display.
Mapped Structure
Location
 Monitoring System
Information Pages
• View sensor location
on a comprehensive
instrumentation plan.
• Individual sensor
information page.
• Details regarding the
type of measurement
that is being recorded.
 Real-Time Data Review
• Rea-time sensor
output display on the
instrumentation plan
view.
• Green, Yellow, Red
warning highlights on
the sensor output
based on the alarm
conditions.
• Color graphical display
of the sensor output.
• Display raw sensor
data and calculated
analysis output.
Real-Time Data Review
 Alarm Toolkit
• Individual sensor alarm
limits.
• Four total limits per sensor:
• Low Low
• Low
• High
• Very High

• Sensor alarm warning on

the instrumentation plan
view.
• Sensor alarm overview
page.
 Wind Rose Graph
• Advanced wind rose, vector
wind rose graphing capabilities.
• Basic wind rose with direction.
• Details regarding the type of
measurement that is being
recorded.
 Camera Options
Web-Based image hosting
 Monitoring System Users
Manual & Training
• Comprehensive Operations Manual.
• Guidelines on sensors maintenance.
• Guidelines on data acquisition and
communication maintenance.
• Web site hosting operations.
• Alarm setup and maintenance.
• Detailed Instrumentation Plans.
• System component documentation and
calibration documentation.
• Results from the initial calibration of
the Structural Monitoring System after
installation.
• Results of any Static Test will be
included if required.
• One full day training seminar for the
client and end user.
 Installation and Support
• BDI has a team of structural
engineers with Bachelors of Science
and Master’s degrees with over 80
years of field testing experience!
• Our field engineers are Structural
Engineers.
• Using Engineers to install the equipment
allows for critical field decision to be
made on-site!!

• BDI supplies all of the necessary tools

to install the monitoring system
components
• BDI will coordinate with local support
to help arrange access.
 Installation and Support
• After the successful installation a
Structural Monitoring System a
period of calibration may be required
to adjust sensor outputs to the
correct levels.
• An optional Static Test may be
conducted after the calibration
process is completed.
• BDI will develop the testing plan
and confirm with the client.
 Installation and Support
REQUIRED SUPPORT
• AC POWER TO DATALOGGER LOCATION: GC shall provide 220V AC power to
the datalogger location. Requirements will be provided with datalogger
specifications.
• CONDUIT, CONDUIT SUPPLIES, AND INSTALLATION: All items necessary for
installing protective wire conduit, including labor, shall be provided by
the client. Conceptual drawings including cable routing and
termination points shall be provided by BDI to the client.
• LIGHTING: If the work is to be performed at night, light plants will be
provided.
• MAST FOR ANEMOMETER: a mast must be installed on the West Tower
prior to the installation for the Anemometer, Air and Relative Humidity
sensor.
 Installation and Support
REQUIRED SUPPORT
• TRANSPORTATION AND LOCAL AREA KNOWLEDGE OF HARDWARE STORES: In most
cases several trips will be taken to the local hardware store to obtain
needed items. Due to this being an area BDI is unfamiliar with, BDI will
require somebody with knowledge of the local area to help in acquiring
of needed items.
• MODEM SERVICE: In order to have cell phone access to the data logger a
cell account must be established for the cell modem. This shall be set
up before BDI mobilizes for installation.
• IT SUPPORT, IF NECESSARY: Based on the complexity of the customer’s IT
infrastructure, IT support may be required for gaining access to the
website.
• POWER: A 110VAC generator will be required to operate several of our
power tools and should be made available.
 Technical Support
ONE YEAR COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT
• BDI will provide comprehensive technical support for a period of twelve months
from the date of final installation.
• Telephone/Email Support.
• Remote access to the monitoring system support.
• Free monitoring system program changes.
• Free replacement of faulty sensors or data acquisition components.*

• In the case that a solution can not be resolved remotely, BDI will mobilize to the
site and fix the problem on site. Travel cost must be covered by the end user
and BDI will not charge for any time.
• BDI takes the support aspect very seriously and want to be sure that our clients
receive the best support and our very best service!

* Faulty sensors or components are a result of a manufactures defect. Does not include sensors or equipment that has been damaged.
Thank You For Your Time!

Questions?