Bridges

The management of aging bridge infrastructure, subject to aggressive environmental exposure conditions and ever-increasing loads from freight vehicles and cranes, is a significant challenge for road operators. Developing an efficient and effective asset management strategy that balances the cost of repairs, maintenance, and replacement with asset performance and risk is critical to managing road infrastructure. Real-time monitoring of infrastructure presents an opportunity for asset owners to better manage their asset risks.

Salerno Street bridge is a single span concrete road bridge over the Nerang River in Surfers Paradise. The bridge suffered from degradation of the hollow spun piles, which became apparent during scheduled remedial works. A cost-effective solution for repairs was implemented; however, it was recognised that not all defects were practical or cost effective to repair. To manage the residual risk, a structural health monitoring system was installed to monitor movement of the structure as an indicator of structural failure.

Heavy vehicle movements on the bridge, not originally designed to carry such loads, were also monitored. Discussion will be presented on how these technologies could be used to better manage the risk of freight tasks on structures originally designed for different loading.

This paper presents the learning from the project and discusses opportunities for network-wide monitoring of infrastructure.