Optimal Sensor Placement of a Box Girder Bridge Using Mode Shapes Obtained from Numerical Analysis and Field Testing

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study of an Optimal Sensor Placement (OSP) implementation conducted in a box girder bridge using experimental and numerical mode shapes obtained at different construction stages. It is widely recognized that monitoring the dynamic response of bridges during different construction stages provides valuable information to adjust design considerations. Therefore, there is a need for the development of OSP implementations in order to find the optimal number of sensors needed for real applications. In the present study, an OPS method based on the maximization of the Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) is used. The use of experimentally derived and numerical based mode shapes is considered in the determination of the optimal sensor locations. Field testing results previously conducted before connecting the central segment of the main span are also included in this study. The asphalt pavement weight effect in OSP determination is also analyzed by considering field testing.