Structural health monitoring system of the long-span bridges in Turkey

Abstract

This study presents the general features of the structural health monitoring (SHM) system of the long-span cable-supported bridges in Turkey, namely the First Bosphorus Bridge, the Second Bosphorus Bridge (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge), the newly constructed the Third Bosphorus Bridge (Yavuz Sultan Selim) and the Osman Gazi Bridge (Izmit Bay Bridge). Due to the critical function of the bridges in the transportation networks of Istanbul, structural health under extreme and operational load cases without interruption of their operation is essential. The SHM systems are already available and in use for the First and Second Bosphorus Bridges; however, the Yavuz Sultan Selim and the Osman Gazi Bridges, only have the preliminary SHM systems established. General preferences of the current and planned SHM systems of the bridges are given based on the monitoring objectives and requirements. Data collected from the SHM systems are also exhibited as an illustration for structural modal identification of the First Bosphorus Bridge. Based on the experiences from the current SHM systems, future works and planning are recommended to effectively design new SHM system and to efficiently update the current ones.

Keywords:

• Structural identification
• structural health monitoring system
• long-span bridges
• monitoring objectives
• strong wind
• extreme and operational load
• operational performance

Acknowledgements

The authors express their profound gratitude to several engineers and colleagues for the providing the useful discussions and suggestions. The last author would like to acknowledge National Science Foundation (Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation [Grant No. 1463493]; partially by Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [Grant No. 2221].

The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsoring organisations.