Bridge structural monitoring technology claims ITS America prize

Georgia’s LifeSpan Technologies has received an ITS America ‘Smart Solution Spotlight’ award in recognition of its pioneering cost-effective structural monitoring technologies that provide state and local agencies with precise, objective information about the structural condition of bridges – information that could be used to monitor and evaluate the condition of tens of thousands of structurally deficient bridges across the USA.

Using sensors, wireless and information technologies, LifeSpan Technologies provides public agencies with the ability to continuously monitor and deliver real-time information to decision-makers about changes in bridge conditions. Sensors can monitor a multitude of conditions, including crack growth, strain, and relative movement, which could indicate a potential or imminent structural problem with the bridge.

Impressive results have been reported by those authorities utilizing the technology. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, for instance, discovered that bridge repairs to the Hawk Falls Bridge on the Commission’s Northest Extension were not essential, saving US$900,000 in repairs. The use of this series of sensors to determine the actual condition of the bridge provided a near 700% return on investment in just a year. Similarly, the South Carolina DOT discovered that salt water corrosion on the Pee Dee and Santee River Bridges was not as serious as first thought, with LifeSpan’s technology revealing both bridges to be structurally sound. This meant that SCDOT could save over US$1 million by deferring their replacement.

“With so much ‘smart’ decision information potentially available for transportation owners/operators and no long-term funding solutions in sight, state DOTs and elected officials should insist on more rapid adoption of advanced condition assessment technologies that can provide objective, accurate and timely information to enhance safety and lower life cycle costs,” said Peter J. Vanderzee, LifeSpan Technologies president and CEO. “The taxpayers deserve no less!”

Left: Adopting advanced condition assessment technologies is an effective means to gather crucial information on structurally deficient bridges to more accurately diagnose deficiencies, define safe operating parameters, and objectively plan/prioritize repair projects

21 July 2010