TITLE:
Identification of Bridge Movement Mechanisms
AUTHORS:
Matthew T. Yarnold
KEYWORDS:
Identification, Bridge, Movement, Bearings, and Monitoring
JOURNAL NAME:
Engineering,
Vol.6 No.9,
August
15,
2014
ABSTRACT: Bridge
behavior is highly dependent upon the movement mechanisms present throughout
the structure. These mechanisms (e.g. bearing, joints, etc.) have a substantial
impact on the long-term durability and potential safety of the structure. A
major distinguisher between the varieties of movement systems is their
operating timescale. In some cases, they function rapidly, within fractions
of a second, and in other cases gradually over days, months or even years.
However, in nearly all cases, the lifecycle of the movement system is shorter
than that of the bridge assuring the need for future intervention. Breakdown of
a movement system can produce unintended forces/deformations that
progressively degrade the structure. Identification and tracking of movement
mechanisms proactively address long-term durability by helping to avoid these
unintended consequences. A general framework for characterization of these
mechanisms was developed. This framework was applied to an operating bridge
that includes several critical mechanisms operating over different
timescales. As a result of this and other studies, recommendations are provided
for identification of bridge movement systems.