Vision-Based Large-Field Measurements of Bridge Deformations
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 28, Issue 11
Abstract
A high-resolution digital image correlation (DIC) system was developed for monitoring bridge deformations under load testing. Significant advantages of the new system compared with contact-instrument based systems include its relative low cost, ease of operation, speed of setup, ability to monitor any point over a large field of view in a single setup, and its relatively high accuracy. The civil infrastructure vision (CIV) system consists of two high-resolution low-noise digital cameras and a DIC software coded by the authors. It can track the three-dimensional (3D) spatial movement of any visible target on the surface of a bridge to a resolution on the order of 1/40th of a millimeter (1/1,000th of an inch), even when the cameras are over 30 m (100 ft) away from the bridge. The accuracy of the CIV system is quantified using certified gage blocks over the full measurement volume encompassing sight distances between 12.2 m (40 ft) and 33.5 m (110 ft). System accuracy is further validated through two field studies by comparing deflection measurements obtained using the system with those obtained by displacement transducers attached to the underside of bridges. In Field Study 1, a multigirder steel bridge was monitored during applied truck loading using traditional instrumentation and the CIV system. In Field Study 2, a multicell concrete culvert was monitored under truck loading. In both field studies, the deflection readings obtained by the CIV system were comparable to those obtained from traditional instruments.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The support of the Texas Department of Transportation for Project 0-6950 is appreciatively acknowledged. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official view or policies of the Texas Department of Transportation. This paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The authors express their thanks to the students, faculty, and staff at the Large Scale Testing Laboratory for their assistance with the project and also Dr. Mary Beth Hueste and Dr. John Mander for sharing their data with the authors.
References
AASHTO. 2019. Manual for bridge evaluation (3rd edition), with 2019 interim revisions. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
Alam, S. Y., and A. Loukili. 2010. “Application of digital image correlation to size effect tests of concrete. In Proc., 7th Int. Conf. on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures, edited by B. H. Oh, et al. Seoul, Korea: Korea Concrete Institute.
Alampalli, S., D. M. Frangopol, J. Grimson, M. W. Halling, D. E. Kosnik, E. O. Lantsoght, D. Yang, and Y. E. Zhou. 2021. “Bridge load testing: State-of-the-practice.” J. Bridge Eng. 26 (3): 03120002. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0001678.
Alampalli, S., D. M. Frangopol, J. Grimson, D. Kosnik, M. Halling, E. O. Lantsoght, J. S. Weidner, D. Y. Yang, and Y. E. Zhou. 2019. Primer on bridge load testing. Transportation Research Circular(E-C257). Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board.
Aldabagh, S., and M. S. Alam. 2021. “Low-cycle fatigue performance of high-strength steel reinforcing bars considering the effect of inelastic buckling.” Eng. Struct. 235: 112114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112114.
ASCE. 2011. Failure to act: The economic impact of current investment trends in surface transportation infrastructure. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Avril, S., E. Ferrier, A. Vautrin, P. Hamelin, and Y. Surrel. 2004. “A full-field optical method for the experimental analysis of reinforced concrete beams repaired with composites.” Composites, Part A 35 (7–8): 873–884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2004.01.012.
Boufaida, Z., J. Boisse, S. André, and L. Farge. 2017. “Mesoscopic strain field analysis in a woven composite using a spectral solver and 3D-DIC measurements.” Compos. Struct. 160: 604–612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2016.10.030.
Bräuer-Burchardt, C. 2004. “A simple new method for precise lens distortion correction of low cost camera systems.” In Joint Pattern Recognition Symp. Berlin: Springer.
Buckner, B. D., V. B. Markov, L.-C. Lai, and J. C. Earthman. 2008. “Laser-scanning structural health monitoring with wireless sensor motes.” Opt. Eng. 47 (5): 054402. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2919793.
Chapagain, B. 2019. Evaluating accuracy and resolution of a next-generation digital image correlation (DIC) system for bridge monitoring. San Antonio: Univ. of Texas.
Christensen, C. O., F. Zhang, G. Z. Garnica, E. O. L. Lantsoght, P. Goltermann, and J. W. Schmidt. 2022. “Identification of stop criteria for large-scale laboratory slab tests using digital image correlation and acoustic emission.” Infrastructure 7 (3): 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7030036.
Chu, T., W. Ranson, and M. A. Sutton. 1985. “Applications of digital-image-correlation techniques to experimental mechanics.” Exp. Mech. 25 (3): 232–244. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325092.
Destrebecq, J.-F., E. Toussaint, and E. Ferrier. 2011. “Analysis of cracks and deformations in a full scale reinforced concrete beam using a digital image correlation technique.” Exp. Mech. 51 (6): 879–890. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-010-9384-9.
Fraser, C. S., and S. Al-Ajlouni. 2006. “Zoom-dependent camera calibration in digital close-range photogrammetry.” Photogramm. Eng. Remote Sens. 72 (9): 1017–1026. https://doi.org/10.14358/PERS.72.9.1017.
Ghannoum, W. M., M. A. Diaz, S. Rajaei, S. Banjade, B. Chapagain, and G. Hogsett. 2021. CIV-civil infrastructure vision© v1. 0: Bridge calibration user manual and validation manual, Texas. Washington, DC: Dept. of Transportation.
Guo, J., L. Xu, L. Dai, M. McDonald, J. Wu, and Y. Li. 2005. “Application of the real-time kinematic global positioning system in bridge safety monitoring.” J. Bridge Eng. 10 (2): 163–168. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1084-0702(2005)10:2(163).
Hueste, M. B., S. Hurlebaus, J. Mander, S. Paal, T. Terzioglu, M. Stieglitz, and N. Kabir. 2019a. Vol. 1 of Development of a strategy to address load posted bridges through reduction in uncertainty in load ratings —Volume 1: Basic load rating. College Station, TX: Texas A&M Univ.
Hueste, M. B., S. Hurlebaus, J. Mander, S. Paal, T. Terzioglu, M. Stieglitz, and N. Kabir. 2019b. Vol. 2 of Development of a strategy to address load posted bridges through reduction in uncertainty in load ratings —volume 2: load testing and modeling for refined load rating. College Station, TX: Texas A&M Univ.
Jiang, J., X. Lu, and J. J. P. I. Guo. 2002. “Study for real-time monitoring of large-span bridge using GPS.” In Progress in Safety Science and Technology, 308–312. New York: Science Press.
Katz, Y., and Z. Yosibash. 2020. “New insights on the proximal femur biomechanics using digital image correlation.” J. Biomech. 101: 109599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109599.
Ke, X.-D., H. Schreier, M. Sutton, and Y. Wang. 2011. “Error assessment in stereo-based deformation measurements.” Exp. Mech. 51 (4): 423–441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-010-9450-3.
Krasny, W., C. Morin, H. Magoariec, and S. Avril. 2017. “A comprehensive study of layer-specific morphological changes in the microstructure of carotid arteries under uniaxial load.” Acta Biomater. 57: 342–351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2017.04.033.
Kurata, M., J. Kim, J. Lynch, G. Van Der Linden, H. Sedarat, E. Thometz, P. Hipley, and L.-H. Sheng. 2013. “Internet-enabled wireless structural monitoring systems: Development and permanent deployment at the New Carquinez Suspension Bridge.” J. Struct. Eng. 139 (10): 1688–1702. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000609.
Lee, J. J., and M. Shinozuka. 2006. “A vision-based system for remote sensing of bridge displacement.” NDT & E Int. 39 (5): 425–431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2005.12.003.
Li, X., L. Ge, E. Ambikairajah, C. Rizos, Y. Tamura, and A. Yoshida. 2006. “Full-scale structural monitoring using an integrated GPS and accelerometer system.” GPS Solutions 10 (4): 233–247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-006-0023-y.
Luo, P., Y. Chao, M. Sutton, and W.-H. Peters. 1993. “Accurate measurement of three-dimensional deformations in deformable and rigid bodies using computer vision.” Exp. Mech. 33 (2): 123–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02322488.
Mukupa, W., G. W. Roberts, C. M. Hancock, and K. Al-Manasir. 2017. “A review of the use of terrestrial laser scanning application for change detection and deformation monitoring of structures.” Surv. Rev. 49 (353): 99–116.
Nonis, C., C. Niezrecki, T.-Y. Yu, S. Ahmed, C.-F. Su, and T. Schmidt. 2013. “Structural health monitoring of bridges using digital image correlation. In Vol. 8695 of Proc., Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems. Bellingham, WA: SPIE.
Orteu, J.-J., F. Bugarin, J. Harvent, L. Robert, and V. Velay. 2011. “Multiple-camera instrumentation of a single point incremental forming process pilot for shape and 3D displacement measurements: Methodology and results.” Exp. Mech. 51 (4): 625–639. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-010-9436-1.
Pan, B., L. Tian, and X. Song. 2016. “Real-time, non-contact and targetless measurement of vertical deflection of bridges using off-axis digital image correlation.” NDT & E Int. 79: 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2015.12.006.
Pan, B., H. Xie, Z. Guo, and T. Hua. 2007. “Full-field strain measurement using a two-dimensional Savitzky-Golay digital differentiator in digital image correlation.” Opt. Eng. 46 (3): 033601. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2714926.
Park, H. S., H. Lee, H. Adeli, and I. Lee. 2007. “A new approach for health monitoring of structures: Terrestrial laser scanning.” Comput.-Aided Civ. Infrastruct. Eng. 22 (1): 19–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8667.2006.00466.x.
Peters, W., and W. F. Ranson. 1982. “Digital imaging techniques in experimental stress analysis.” Opt. Eng. 21 (3): 427–431. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.7972925.
Rashidi, M., M. Mohammadi, S. Sadeghlou Kivi, M. M. Abdolvand, L. Truong-Hong, and B. Samali. 2020. “A decade of modern bridge monitoring using terrestrial laser scanning: Review and future directions.” Remote Sens. 12 (22): 3796. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12223796.
Remondino, F., and C. Fraser. 2006. “Digital camera calibration methods: Considerations and comparisons.” Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spat. Inf. Sci. 36 (5): 266–272.
Robert, L., F. Nazaret, T. Cutard, and J.-J. Orteu. 2007. “Use of 3-D digital image correlation to characterize the mechanical behavior of a fiber reinforced refractory castable.” Exp. Mech. 47 (6): 761–773. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-007-9062-8.
Sanayei, M., J. E. Phelps, J. D. Sipple, E. S. Bell, and B. R. Brenner. 2012. “Instrumentation, nondestructive testing, and finite-element model updating for bridge evaluation using strain measurements.” J. Bridge Eng. 17 (1): 130–138. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000228.
Schmidt, T., J. Tyson, and K. Galanulis. 2003. “Pull-field dynamic displacement and strain measurement using advanced 3D image correlation photogrammetry: Part 1.” Exp. Tech. 27 (3): 47–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1567.2003.tb00115.x.
Sokoli, D., W. Shekarchi, E. Buenrostro, and W. M. J. E. Ghannoum. 2014. “Advancing behavioral understanding and damage evaluation of concrete members using high-resolution digital image correlation data.” Structures 7 (5): 609–626.
Staszewski, W., B. Lee, L. Mallet, and F. J. S. M. Scarpa. 2004. “Structural health monitoring using scanning laser vibrometry: I. Lamb wave sensing.” Structures 13 (2): 251.
Stieglitz, M., T. Terzioglu, M. B. D. Hueste, S. Hurlebaus, J. B. Mander, and S. G. Paal. 2021. “Experimental and computational investigation of a load-posted steel beam bridge.” Eng. Struct. 245: 112963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112963.
Stieglitz, M. W. 2019. Development of a strategy to address load posted steel multi-girder bridges through reduction in uncertainty in load ratings. Austin, TX: Texas Dept. of Transportation Research and Technology Implementation Office.
Sutton, M. A., J. J. Orteu, and H. Schreier. 2009. Image correlation for shape, motion and deformation measurements: Basic concepts, theory and applications. Berlin: Springer.
Terzioglu, T., M. B. D. Hueste, and J. Mander. 2017. “Field testing and computational model verification for spread slab beam bridges.” In Int. Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering Symp. Report. Zurich, Switzerland: International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).
Tong, W. 2005. “An evaluation of digital image correlation criteria for strain mapping applications.” Strain 41 (4): 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-1305.2005.00227.x.
Triggs, B. 1998. “Autocalibration from planar scenes.” In European Conf. on Computer Vision. Berlin: Springer.
Wang, H., T. Tao, T. Guo, J. Li, and A. J. T. S. W. J. Li. 2014. “Full-scale measurements and system identification on sutong cable-stayed bridge during typhoon Fung-Wong.” Technol. Dev. Struct. Health Monit. Integrity Maint. 2014: 936832.
Wang, N., B. R. Ellingwood, and A.-H. Zureick. 2011a. “Bridge rating using system reliability assessment. II: Improvements to bridge rating practices.” J. Bridge Eng. 16 (6): 863–871. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000171.
Wang, N., C. O’Malley, B. R. Ellingwood, and A.-H. Zureick. 2011b. “Bridge rating using system reliability assessment. I: Assessment and verification by load testing.” J. Bridge Eng. 16 (6): 854–862. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000172.
Wang, Y.-Q., M. Sutton, X.-D. Ke, H. Schreier, P. Reu, and T. J. Miller. 2011c. “On error assessment in stereo-based deformation measurements.” Exp. Mech. 51 (4): 405–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-010-9449-9.
Wu, Z., H. Rong, J. Zheng, F. Xu, and W. Dong. 2011. “An experimental investigation on the FPZ properties in concrete using digital image correlation technique.” Eng. Fract. Mech. 78 (17): 2978–2990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2011.08.016.
Xing, H., Q. Zhang, D. Ruan, S. Dehkhoda, G. Lu, and J. Zhao. 2018. “Full-field measurement and fracture characterisations of rocks under dynamic loads using high-speed three-dimensional digital image correlation.” Int. J. Impact Eng. 113: 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2017.11.011.
Xinzheng, L., Y. Ning, and J. Jianjing. 2004. “Application of computer simulation technology for structure analysis in disaster.” Autom. Constr. 13 (5): 597–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2004.04.002.
Ye, X., Y. Ni, T. Wai, K. Wong, X. Zhang, and F. J. S. S. Xu. 2013. “A vision-based system for dynamic displacement measurement of long-span bridges: Algorithm and verification.” Systems 12 (3): 363–379.
Yoneyama, S., A. Kitagawa, S. Iwata, K. Tani, and H. Kikuta. 2007. “Bridge deflection measurement using digital image correlation.” Exp. Tech. 31 (1): 34–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1567.2006.00132.x.
Zhang, Z. 2000. “A flexible new technique for camera calibration.”’ IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 22 (11): 1330–1334. https://doi.org/10.1109/34.888718.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 28 • Issue 11 • November 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 3, 2022
Accepted: Jun 30, 2023
Published online: Aug 28, 2023
Published in print: Nov 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jan 28, 2024
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.