Real-time monitoring of bridge scouring using ultrasonic sensing technology

Biao Wu; Wenli Chen; Hui Li

doi:10.1117/12.914994

6 April 2012 Real-time monitoring of bridge scouring using ultrasonic sensing technology

Biao Wu, Wenli Chen, Hui Li

Proceedings Volume 8345, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2012; 834535 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.914994
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Scour due to floods and rapid river flow is one of the major causes of bridge failures, which erodes the foundation materials below bridge piers and abutments. Sensors and monitoring provide vital information on the stability of bridges that are subjected to scour. In this study, an ultrasonic technology-based monitoring system is set up. Ultrasonic sensor is placed on a vertically-fixed trail and can move upward and downward. The ultrasonic sensor sends, and the ultrasonic wave signal will be reflected from the river bed. The exact location of the river bed can be calculated through the wave signal travel time from sending to receiving and wave velocity. Due to the sensor moving in a range in the vertical direction, the river bed map can be portrayed through the monitoring data. The feasibility and accuracy of the monitoring system has been validated through a test in laboratory. The test results indicate that the ultrasonic technology-based monitoring system can measure the scour in real time with reasonable accuracy and reliability.

Citation Download Citation

Biao Wu, Wenli Chen, and Hui Li "Real-time monitoring of bridge scouring using ultrasonic sensing technology", Proc. SPIE 8345, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2012, 834535 (6 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.914994

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