PRESS Release 21/09/09
Bridge Life-Extension Services
Over the past several years, Heggies has focussed its structural dynamics capabilities into improving the service life of bridges and bridge components. Projects in this field embrace a wide variety of technologies including bridge structural motion analysis, bridge dynamics, fatigue studies, predictive vibration assessments, engineering simulations and field monitoring.
Our services in this area include:
- Bridge dynamic measurements and testing
- Expansion joint monitoring and control
- Bridge dynamics analysis and vehicle/bridge interaction
- Finite element modelling
- Experimental modal analysis
- Fatigue and life extension analysis
- Vibration control
As a result of these many investigations, Heggies has developed real time remote monitoring systems for Modular and Finger Plate Expansion Joints, critical bridge elements that are subject to potential failure. Expansion joint elements can become loose in service, dislodge and sometimes fail mechanically. The failure, loss and/or displacement of such bearings and other components may result in further damage to the bridge expansion joints. Detached joint segments can become a collision hazard for motorists and pose a real threat to human life. Such events have the potential to close major transport arteries or cause significant and costly traffic disruptions.
Until the development of Heggies’ Bridge-Alert-M and Bridge-Alert-F Systems, visual inspections were the only method of checking the integrity of bridge expansion joints. These required lane closures and night inspections to increase safety and reduce traffic disruptions. Heggies innovative bridge monitoring systems detect loose and/or damaged joint segments by continuously analysing the sounds produced when the wheels of the passing traffic cross the joint. The detection algorithms have been fine-tuned to cope with the widely varying traffic densities, vehicle types and traffic speeds.
For any inquiries relating to bridge life-extension services or systems Bridge-Alert-M and Bridge-Alert-F Systems please contact Heggies National Business Development Manager, Jerome Rivory, on 07 3858 4800 or by email at jerome.rivory@heggies.com.
DOWNLOAD AUTHORISED RELEASE (PDF 83kb)
Author:
Jerome Rivory
National Business Development Manager
E: jerome.rivory@heggies.com
P: 07 3858 4800
Additional Images:
Expansion Joint.jpg
Authorised By:
Jerome Rivory
National Business Development Manager
