Structural Monitoring of a Road Bridge: Installing the SHBox System

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key steps followed by Sysdev’s team during the installation of the SHBox system, the first real-time “black box” for infrastructure that accurately monitors their health.

Specifically, we’ll examine how Sysdev’s structural monitoring solutions were applied in a real-world context, illustrating the installation of SHBox sensors on a road bridge. The infrastructure in question is located at a crucial traffic junction, making continuous and precise monitoring essential.

Through this example, we will present all stages of the intervention, from planning to installation, providing a clear and detailed view of the fundamental steps in this process.

Preliminary Phase: Site Inspection and Project Definition
The first part of the work involved analyzing the structural and environmental conditions prior to our intervention and defining a project tailored to the specific characteristics of the bridge and its location (in this case, the bridge is situated above a medium-flow stream).

Site Inspection
The site inspection phase was crucial to ensure that the monitoring system was implemented optimally. Our experts conducted a thorough inspection of the bridge, collecting essential data on its existing structural condition.

Field measurements were taken to assess the availability of internet connections and LoRa network coverage, which are vital for communication between the sensors and the analysis platform. Additionally, photos and reports were gathered to document the structural condition and layout of the spaces, enabling precise planning.

Project Development
With the information collected during the inspection, one of our trusted structural engineers developed a detailed plan for the deployment of SHBox sensors. This plan identified strategic points on the bridge for placing the multi-sensor nodes, optimizing coverage and the accuracy of the measurements.

The sensor placement locations were chosen considering the specific characteristics of the bridge and its interaction with the stream below, ensuring optimal monitoring of deformations, inclinations, and other critical parameters.

Installation of SHBox Sensors
Once the project was approved, we moved on to the operational phase of installing the SHBox system.

Multi-Sensor Nodes Installation
The multi-sensor nodes, capable of detecting a wide range of parameters such as deformation, temperature, inclination, displacement, and vibration (in the event of an earthquake), were strategically installed on the bridge and connected to the LoRa network for data transmission. After installation, a comprehensive training session was provided to the client’s staff to ensure effective system management.

Maintenance Plan
Finally, a periodic maintenance plan was established to monitor the system’s performance over time and ensure that the sensors operate at peak efficiency.

SHBox Solution for Infrastructure Safety
The installation of SHBox sensors on this bridge serves as a concrete example of how Sysdev’s advanced technology can be applied to enhance safety, predictability, and management of infrastructure.

With our monitoring system, critical structures can be monitored in real time, allowing for efficient and sustainable resource management. This operation not only optimized the bridge’s monitoring but also demonstrated the importance of predictive maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure infrastructure reliability.

If you want to learn more about how SHBox sensors can enhance the safety and efficiency of your infrastructure, get in touch with our team of professionals.