Slow- and high-speed structural monitoring of suspension bridges

ABSTRACT. Complex structural systems like long Suspension bridges, are exposed to various external loads such as traffic-induced and wind-induced during their service life. These structures may deteriorate and degrade with time, something that may lead to structural failures causing costly repairs and, even, loss of human lives. To ensure safety and to minimize financial loss, damage detection becomes important so that remedial works can be carried out as early as possible. Structural health monitoring assumes an important role in conjunction with the damage assessment and the safety evaluation of the structure. In the case of large structures the monitoring process should be planned since the design phase and should be carried out continuously during the entire life, assessing structural health and performance under in-service conditions. In continuous monitoring it is important to differentiate between slow-speed and high-speed monitoring because each category would require di...