Long-term Maintenance Monitoring Demonstration on a Movable Bridge

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Long-term Maintenance Monitoring Demonstration on a Movable Bridge

Author: Gul, Mustafa | Size: 2.50 MB | Format: PDF | Quality: Original preprint | Publisher: University of Central Florida, Orlando | Year: 2011 | pages: 70

The maintenance costs related to movable bridges are considerably higher than those of fixed bridges, mostly because of the complex interaction of the mechanical, electrical and structural components. A malfunction of any component can cause an unexpected failure of bridge operation, which creates problems for both land and maritime traffic. Maintenance processes associated with the operation system and mechanical parts require special expertise. A comprehensive monitoring system was implemented on Sunrise Bridge (Ft. Lauderdale) to track the behavior and condition of several critical mechanical, electrical and structural components. A number of tests and monitoring of the bridge yielded a wide variety of data, which were analyzed in detail with methods developed by the PI and his research team, and the results obtained at the end of the project were reported to FDOT in a detailed report. After the completion of this previous project, the bridge was already scheduled for painting; however, the monitoring system was significantly damaged during the preparation, sandblasting and painting despite the considerable efforts of FDOT personnel to protect the system. This extension project therefore focuses on repairing the monitoring system, which was affected by the painting operation, collecting and analyzing more data and preparing the system for FDOT. First, details of the field work conducted to repair the damaged monitoring system are presented. Then, analysis of data that were collected after the monitoring system was repaired is presented for different components. The baseline response and the thresholds for acceptable behavior were established. During this phase of the project, unanticipated behaviors were observed for two components (one at the span locks and one at the gearbox) at two different times. These findings indicating the unanticipated behavior using the monitoring system are also corroborated with the independent maintenance reports. These changes in behavior required maintenance work at the span lock and gearbox as given in the maintenance logs. Finally, recommendations are provided based on the findings and experiences from this project.

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