Advanced Visualization and Accessibility to SHM Results Involving Real-Time and Historic Multi-Parameter Data and Camera Images

Present inability to manage large amounts of data properly is a big barrier for a widespread deployment of structural health monitoring, especially when multiparameter data is involved and combined with camera images. Various sensors can measure strain, tilt, temperature, and weather, while live cameras can visualize traffic, and all the data can be registered both statically and dynamically. In order to combine the complex monitored data and make it available for multiple users, which can be the owner/manager of the bridge, researchers, practitioners, or students, a website portal with live data streaming can be a good solution. Historic data can then be consulted using another, "Playback" software package. Both Live Portal and Playback should have embedded algorithms for data visualization, statistical data analysis and reporting. This new solution for data visualization and accessibility, which combines internet omnipresence, computer science, and structural engineering, has been researched, developed and applied on the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and presented in this paper.