초록 ▼

Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the

Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method for determining structural health of a bridge comprising:(a) measuring a plurality of cardinal points fixed to said bridge from a plurality of locations, whereinat least one retroreflector is attached to each of said cardinal points, a plurality of electronic distance

What is claimed is: 1. A method for determining structural health of a bridge comprising:(a) measuring a plurality of cardinal points fixed to said bridge from a plurality of locations, whereinat least one retroreflector is attached to each of said cardinal points, a plurality of electronic distance measurement instruments are mounted in a stable reference coordinate system, and a central processor coordinates said plurality of electronic distance measurement instruments;(b) measuring at least; a first range from a first electronic distance measurement instrument to a first cardinal point, a second range from a second electronic distance measurement instrument to said first cardinal point, and a third range from a third electronic distance measurement instrument to said first cardinal point, whereinsaid first electronic distance measurement instrument is at a first location,said second electronic distance measurement instrument is at a second location,said third electronic distance measurement instrument is at a third location, and whereinsaid first location, said second location, and said third location are three different locations;(c) storing at least said first, second, and third ranges;(d) computing a first three dimensional coordinate of said first cardinal point, in said stable reference coordinate system, based at least in part on said first, second, and third ranges;(e) determining at least a first structural health parameter of said bridge based at least in part on said first three dimensional coordinate;(f) storing said first structural health parameter.