Long-term monitoring and data analysis of the Tamar Bridge

A sound understanding of a structure's normal condition, including its response to normal environmental and operational variations is desirable for structural health monitoring and necessary for performance monitoring of civil structures. The current paper outlines the extensive monitoring campaign of the Tamar Suspension Bridge as well as analysis carried out in an attempt to understand the bridge's normal condition. Specifically the effects of temperature, traffic loading and wind speed on the structure's dynamic response are investigated. Finally, initial steps towards the development of a structural health monitoring system for the Tamar Bridge are addressed.

► Detailed analysis of data from a large and complex in situ structure in operation. ► Multiple sources of operational and environmental variability are considered. ► Daily fluctuations in the modal frequencies of the deck are driven by the traffic loading. ► Modal frequency change is predicted accurately with simple response surface models. ► Temperature and wind conditions are significant factors affecting modal response.