Transportation infrastructures such as bridges can be affected during their service life by external agents, such as the environment and weather conditions. Historically, concrete structures have been designed to properly withstand service loads without often considering durability factors, especially during the construction phase. If these factors are not considered in the design, they will have to be addressed through subsequent maintenance during operation, which can be more costly.
Durability issues affect various types of structures, and once they arise, the structures become non-functional, inefficient, and inevitably fail to meet their estimated service life. They also incur costs for owners or investors due to the need to repair affected areas, replace damaged elements, along with the operational costs for periodic renovations and maintenance.
To ensure the stability of any road infrastructure, it is essential to observe the behavior of these structures in response to any changes, such as the construction of buildings or other infrastructures nearby.
The Bartec Syscom team used for this monitoring was the MR3000C, specifically designed for seismic monitoring and structural vibration monitoring. This equipment includes an internal triaxial velocity meter and a 3G module that enables internet connectivity and the sending of PDF reports comparing the results obtained with the applicable regulations in each country. Additionally, it can be installed vertically, making it the best solution for this type of construction.
Another key aspect of such measurements is the placement of the equipment. They should be located in the most critical areas with a higher probability of being affected by the development of other activities, in this particular case, the construction of a tunnel under the viaduct. This allows for the detection of potential structural alterations directly and continuously.
Tools like these assist in the proper surveillance and control of the structural behavior of transportation infrastructures, whether during moments of punctual overloads or for daily observation of behavior resulting from usage. This facilitates essential information for decision-making by safety departments to help prevent possible damages and catastrophes in construction.
