Development of Steel Bridge Clattering-detecting Device Utilizing Vibration-powered Generator

When a bridge loses support from one pier due to causes such as shoe subsidence, this imbalance causes repercussions known as “clattering”. Clattering is so harmful that it may cause not only damages to shoes but also rapid extension of cracks in peripheral structures, and greatly affects total soundness of beams. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the occurrence and progress of clattering by inspections at fixed interval (every two years). In this paper, we introduce a development of clattering-detecting device utilizing vibration-powered generator as a new monitoring system to complement inspections.