Comparison of Visual Inspection and Structural-Health Monitoring As Bridge Condition Assessment Methods
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 30, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a research project aimed at examining the capabilities and challenges of two distinct but not mutually exclusive approaches to in-service bridge assessment: visual inspection and installed monitoring systems. In this study, the intended functionality of both approaches was evaluated on its ability to identify potential structural damage and to provide decision-making support. Inspection and monitoring are compared in terms of their functional performance, cost, and barriers (real and perceived) to implementation. Both methods have strengths and weaknesses across the metrics analyzed, and it is likely that a hybrid evaluation technique that adopts both approaches will optimize efficiency of condition assessment and ultimately lead to better decision making.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the help of numerous FDOT personnel in constructing the arguments presented here. The opinions presented here are those of the authors and do not reflect those of FDOT or its employees.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 30 • Issue 3 • June 2016
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 21, 2014
Accepted: May 14, 2015
Published online: Jun 25, 2015
Discussion open until: Nov 25, 2015
Published in print: Jun 1, 2016
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