Bridge collapse: Early detection of risk thanks to sensors

US scientists have invented a new type of sensor to collect data on the defects of the bridge structure, in order to detect the risk of spoiled bridges early, avoiding unfortunate incidents that can cause disaster.

Simple but effective

Experts from Sandia National Laboratory (USA), under the guidance of engineer Dennis Roach, successfully built the ' Comparative Vacuum Monitoring ' device - a The sensor type has a structure safety monitoring function to detect signs of damage to the bridge.

Engineer Dennis Roach is holding a relative vacuum sensor device, capable of safely monitoring the bridge structure.(Photo: Randy Montoya, Sandia)

According to the research team, the device was invented based on the same technique used to monitor the structural strength of aircraft.

Looks like a transparent personal medical band, this flexible and simple sensor device is a self-adhesive rubber patch, with very small grooves carved with lasers and connected, in which there is an air pressure line maintained.

This monitoring device works like nerve endings in the human body, capable of providing information immediately. When there are any cracks or cracks - though very small, the aforementioned slotted system will be affected and the pressure change will be immediately recorded, helping the experts to know the risk of damage.

When fitted to the bridge, a system of multiple sensors will monitor beams, as well as other structures of the bridge, to detect abnormalities in vibration and movement intensity as well as weak Other elements of the bridge structure.

The idea of ​​sensor safety monitoring equipment is still being developed by the research team. The benefits of these monitoring systems include providing data immediately and saving manpower in bridge quality management.

However, it is important for engineers to know the quality of the technology they are using, and at the same time they must know how to use that technology appropriately.

Minor damages can cause major hazards

In terms of safety, demand is a major concern of any country, since these works will be affected by the pressure of the load over time, especially when its original design Also suitable for the current use situation.

Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis (USA) collapsed on August 1, 2007.This bridge has suffered a load three times larger than the design 40 years ago!(Photo: Metimes.com)

For example, after the Interstate 35W Bridge incident in Minneapolis (USA) on August 1, everyone was shocked to learn that it was subjected to a load of three times as much traffic as it did when it was built 40 years ago! In this incident, more than 10 people were killed.

The team stressed that managers need to have ways to know if a bridge is at risk of damage. The volume of vehicles, heavy rain, high winds and temperature changes are factors that can cause very small cracks leading to major damages in steel and concrete components.

According to Roach engineer, the device can immediately detect abnormal signs that current tests cannot be discovered.

With the warning of the first signs of a serious crack, engineers will take measures to remedy in time, contributing to prevent possible unfortunate incidents.

Quang Thinh
According to The Future of Things, TBO, VNN