Vibration Monitoring
Collection of vibration data utilizing Geocomp’s S-lynks wireless measurement nodes
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The Challenge
- In need of vibration assessment to determine current condition of the bridge
The three mile long NASA causeway connects SR405 in Titusville with Kennedy Space Center’s NASA Parkway in Merritt Island, Florida. The causeway’s 2,990 ft bridge across the Indian River spans the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) channel with a 142 ft divided, four-lane, double-leaf bascule drawbridge. The Eastbound (EB) and Westbound (WB) of the bridge consist of two separate bridges constructed in 1964. The spans are composed of AASHTO Type II Girders. The spans of the bridge are identical in terms of boundary conditions and geometric and material properties.
University of Central Florida and NASA wanted to conduct a vibration assessment as part of a research initiative and documenting the current condition of the existing multi-span bridge.
The Solution
Geocomp, with University of Central Florida, deployed S-lynks monitoring solution to selected spans of NASA causeway bridge located near Kennedy Space Center. The scope of work included:
- Investigation of interdependency of pre-stressed concrete single spans
- Establishing the baseline dynamic behavior before the retrofitting for future validation of the post-retrofitting behavior
- Three single spans were tested individually followed by three consecutive spans tested together
Geocomp’s S-lynks system helped identify the similarities and differences of dynamic behavior from identically built spans through resonant modes. These findings were shared with NASA engineers to support their decision making process for retrofitting the structure, inspections, and replacements options.
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