Bridge Monitoring Technology Saves Lives and Extends Infrastructure Lifespan
Structural Health Monitoring of bridges in Kentucky has helped extend their lifespan and improve decision-making. Three bridges were studied: one in Louisville, one on I-64 over US 60, and one on US 41 North over the Ohio River. By using continuous instrumentation, engineers were able to design cost-effective retrofits, monitor for potential damage from over-height trucks, and detect barge impacts. In case of incidents, personnel are alerted via text and email, providing details on the severity of the issue and where to access bridge data. This system allows for quick decision-making in response to bridge events.