IIT Mandi Unveils Innovative Real-Time Bridge Safety Monitoring System.
Shimla:
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is setting a new benchmark in bridge safety with a pioneering real-time monitoring system developed by Dr. Subhamoy Sen and his team. Their cutting-edge approach, detailed in the journal ‘Structural Health Monitoring’, utilizes advanced digital modeling and live traffic data to enhance the safety and maintenance of aging bridges.
Dr. Sen, an Associate Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and research scholar Eshwar Kuncham have addressed critical issues related to fatigue-induced damage and structural deterioration. Instead of a broad-based monitoring method, their technique focuses on the most vulnerable sections of a bridge, which improves safety assessments and optimizes resource allocation.
The innovative system begins with a detailed digital model of the bridge, crafted through an initial comprehensive study of the actual structure. This model simulates the impact of various traffic patterns on different bridge components over time, identifying the most at-risk areas.
Fatigue-sensitive sensors are then installed at strategic points on the bridge, monitoring stress and vibrations in real-time. The data collected is integrated into the digital model, allowing experts to make informed decisions on traffic flow and speed adjustments to mitigate potential damage. This method addresses the limitations of traditional assessment techniques, which often rely on broad safety margins and can be costly. By focusing on high-risk areas and incorporating real-time data, IIT Mandi’s approach offers a more cost-effective and efficient solution for managing aging infrastructure. It supports timely interventions, minimizes traffic disruptions, and enables rapid safety assessments after events like earthquakes or floods.
The new system provides a practical solution for government agencies and transportation departments, enhancing public safety and improving bridge management with reduced costs and disruption.
