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Abstract

Climate change brings about unprecedented increases in the occurrence of storms and flooding. In response to increased risk of bridge pier scouring, there is a need for increased safety monitoring of bridges. This paper presents a wireless sensor network (WSN) - based solution developed to measure micro-vibrations of a bridge pier. Test measurement values are converted with the use of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method to obtain natural frequencies. Scouring depth of the pier is estimated with the use of a Finite Element Method model. WSN is used to collect the signal and to test data transmission stability in different locations, as well as FFT and Welch method are used to convert the obtained signal into spectral signals allows an automatic determination and storage of pier vibration frequency data. Relevant parameters in a Finite Element Method (FEM) model use the in-situ natural frequencies as calibration parameters, and the soil equivalent spring model was set up by using in-situ drilling data. The maximum spring depth represents the depth of the scouring. The scouring depth and natural frequency data are used as follow-up indicators of bridge scouring condition.WSN is used to monitor condition of piers provides a practical method and tool for mitigating potential bridge collapse.

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