Civil | Infrastructure Remote Monitoring Solutions

ITM PROVIDES BRIDGE AND DAM MONITORING SYSTEMS

How to use strain gauging and data acquisition systems (DAQ) to monitor bridges, DAMs and other civil structures

Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) has a wealth of experience in the field of structural testing and data acquisition on a variety of civil structures. Our team of engineers has worked on projects involving bridges and dams, providing our clients with valuable insights and data to ensure the safety and integrity of these structures.

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One of the key services we offer is the use of strain gauges (strain gages) for monitoring the structural integrity of these structures. By strategically placing these strain gauges on key components of the structure, we are able to measure and track changes in strain over time. This information is crucial in identifying potential issues before they become serious problems.

In addition to strain gauging, we also utilize state-of-the-art data acquisition (DAQ) systems to continuously monitor the structures. Our team of engineers can provide unattended testing services, allowing for round-the-clock monitoring without the need for constant on-site presence. This allows for early detection of any issues and allows for proactive maintenance to be performed.

Common bridge failures

The most common structural issues with bridges include corrosion of steel and reinforcement, cracking in concrete, scouring and erosion of foundation materials, and damage from overloading or impact. Additionally, issues with expansion joints, bearings, and other components of the bridge’s support system can also arise over time. Regular inspection and maintenance is necessary to identify and address these issues before they lead to more serious problems.

Common DAM failures

The most common structural issues with dams include seepage, erosion, and settlement. Seepage occurs when water leaks through or under the dam, which can erode the foundation and destabilize the dam. Erosion can occur on the upstream and downstream slopes of the dam, and can be caused by factors such as heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or wave action.

Settlement occurs when the dam’s foundation materials compress or shift, causing the dam to sink or tilt. Other common issues with dams include cracking, leakage, and overtopping. Regular inspection and maintenance is necessary to identify and address these issues before they lead to more serious problems.

One of the most important aspects of our work on civil structures is vibration monitoring and analysis. Vibration can be a key indicator of structural issues and our team is experienced in utilizing high channel count systems to capture and analyze this data. We also provide the ability to perform rigid body motion measurement.

Our experience in this field includes working on an earth-filled embankment dam, where we implemented a monitoring system to track the behavior of the dam during filling and operation. We also worked on a spillway gate, where we installed a variety of sensors to monitor the gate’s movement and stress during operation.

Importance of vibration monitoring

1. Safety: Vibrations can cause structural damage to buildings and other structures, and can also be a safety hazard for people and equipment. Monitoring vibrations can help identify potential safety issues before they become a problem.
2. Maintenance: Vibrations can be an indicator of wear and tear on a structure, and can help engineers identify potential maintenance needs.
3. Quality Control: Vibration monitoring can be used to ensure that new structures are being built to the correct specifications and tolerances, and can also be used to identify issues during the construction process.
4. Performance: Vibration monitoring can be used to evaluate the performance of existing structures, and can help engineers identify ways to improve the design and construction of future structures.
5. Asset Management: Vibration monitoring can help to predict the lifespan of a structure and schedule maintenance accordingly.

Overall, vibration monitoring helps engineers to identify and address issues with structures early on, which can help to prevent major problems and prolong the life of the structure.

At ITM, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of service and expertise in the field of structural testing and data acquisition. Our experience on civil structures such as bridges and dams is just one example of our ability to provide valuable insights and data to ensure the safety and integrity of these structures.

Our experts specialize in data loggers, analog signals, strain gage, electrical resistance, structural health monitoring (shm), data acquisition systems, white box testing, strain measured, wheatstone bridge, real time testing, bridge monitoring and much more.

Contact us for more information about strain gauge services, data acquisition and more.