Lessons from Bridge Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Their Implications for the Development of Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract

This paper summarizes the lessons learned after several decades of exploring and applying Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in operating bridge structures. The challenges in real-time imaging and processing of large amounts of sensor data at various bandwidths, synchronization, quality check and archival, and most importantly, the interpretation of the structural condition, performance, and health are necessary for effective applications of SHM to major bridges and other infrastructures. Writers note that such SHM applications have served as the forerunners of cyber infrastructures, which are now recognized as the key to smart infrastructures and smart cities. Continued explorations of SHM in conjunction with control, therefore, remain vital for assuring satisfactory infrastructure system performance at the operational, damageability, and safety limit-states in the future. Researchers in the SHM of actually constructed systems, given their experience in monitoring major structures in the field, are well positioned to contribute to these vital needs. Especially, SHM researchers who have learned how to integrate the contributions from various disciplines such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and materials engineering; computer and social sciences; and architecture and urban planning would appear to be well equipped and could become instrumental in assessing the health and performance of urban regions, which today must function by optimizing and balancing the needs of Livability, Sustainability, and Resilience (LSR).