Date of Award:

5-2014

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Marvin W. Halling

Committee

Marvin W. Halling

Committee

Paul J. Barr

Committee

Gilberto E. Urroz

Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have become tools for understanding how a civil structure truly behaves. In bridge structures, vibration-based SHM systems can be used to monitor the bridge’s modal parameters. Changes in modal parameters may indicate a change in the structure itself, boundary conditions, or damage. These modal parameters also vary with environmental factors, mainly temperature. Statistical models help show the correlation between modal parameters and temperature and can be used to filter out unimportant temperature effects. If done successfully, physical changes can be indicated and further inspection can be accomplished to minimize further damage.

The bridge structure utilized in this study is located in Sacramento, California. It is a two-span, integral abutment, cast-in-place concrete, box-girder bridge. A SHM system consisting of velocity transducers, thermocouples, tilt-meters, and strain gauges has been monitoring the structure’s behaviors and environmental conditions.

A long-term view of the bridge behavior was used in this study. Temperatures through the bridge deck, along the length, and transversely are used in many different
statistical models. Final regression models that include the most important temperature readings are chosen.

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