IIT-Mandi makes strides in bridge safety, maintenance

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, has made strides in bridge safety and maintenance.

Led by School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Subhamoy Sen, a research team unveiled an innovative method for monitoring the health of aging bridges using sophisticated digital modelling and real-time traffic data.

This technique, recently detailed in journal ‘Structural Health Monitoring’, promises to significantly enhance bridge safety and efficiency.

Sen, along with his research scholar Eshwar Kuncham, has tackled issues of fatigue-induced damage and the gradual deterioration of bridge structures. Rather than employing a broad monitoring approach, the research zeroes in on the most vulnerable sections of a bridge.

The method begins with the creation of a detailed digital model of the bridge. This virtual replica is crafted based on an initial comprehensive study of the actual structure.

The model then simulates how different traffic patterns affect various parts of the bridge over time, helping identify areas most susceptible to damage.

Once these critical zones are determined, fatigue-sensitive sensors are strategically installed at key locations.

These sensors continuously monitor stress and vibrations in real-time, feeding data back into the digital model.

By analysing how traffic influences the bridge’s condition, experts can make informed decisions about adjusting traffic flow and speed to mitigate potential damage and ensure ongoing safety.

Traditional methods for assessing a bridge’s Remaining Useful Life (RUL) often involved simplistic approaches with broad safety margins.

While advancements like rain flow counting, finite element analysis (FEA) and statistical methods have improved these assessments, they can be costly and may still miss critical issues, especially in older bridges with uncertain material conditions.

Sen’s approach offers several practical benefits. By focusing on high-risk areas, it reduces monitoring costs and the need for extensive equipment. The real-time data integration allows for timely interventions and adjustments, ensuring bridges’ safety without causing major traffic disruptions.