ARTBA 2021 Bridges Report shows that more than 1/3 of all US bridges need repair

Check out the ARTBA 2021 Bridge Report Which shows that 220,000 US bridges need repair.

The National Bridge Inspection Program (NBIS) sets inspection intervals for bridges according to certain criteria, and classifies bridge inspections into 5 types: initial, routine, in-depth, damage and special.  Bridge inspection techniques and technologies are continuously evolving and are being looked at more frequently as costs have gone down, technologies have improved and the understanding of how to use the data gathered from these systems has evolved.  

Critiques of bridge monitoring systems have historically included the need for routine maintenance and repair, and continuous assessment to ensure correct operation.  Another concern has historically been the length of time over which monitoring systems are expected to be serviceable.

However,  Resensys’ SenSpot™ technologies use energy self-sufficient and ultra-low power wireless sensors and monitoring systems that address both of these historic critiques to provide a cost effective, reliable monitoring solution. 

Wireless technologies are significantly more cost effective than wired systems, and the energy self-sufficiency and ultra-low power use technologies that Resensys employs ensure that Resensys’ systems can operate with the same high level of performance for up to 10 years. 

Resensys’ high end alert systems trigger both on threshold limits (such as to warn that the bridge may be experiencing crack/displacement, tilt or strain that is of concern) and also on data discontinuity that would indicate incorrect operation.     Resensys’ advanced analytics also allow real time data (such as seismic or stress impact) to be collected and analyzed to understand the impact on the remaining fatigue life of the bridge member, and to communicate these results to decision makers.

Traditional bridge inspection techniques are reliant upon “what the eye can see” and pre-suppose that the structure was installed per plan using the specified materials and workmanship.  These measures are important, but are subjective.  Resensys’ structural health monitoring technologies can be easily be installed after the fact if a concern is raised and real-time data can be gathered and used to put anxious minds at rest, or to take appropriate repair action pro-actively.