Monitoring Dynamics of Suspension Footbridges using Novel Sensing Techniques

Proof of concept for two novel sensing techniques is presented for the application of monitoring dynamic footbridge behaviour. Current solutions for monitoring footbridge dynamics are costly and difficult to transport to remote locations. There is a growing need for low cost, portable footbridge monitoring solutions to provide insight into the growing number of cable supported footbridges implemented in remote areas, like those built by the non-profit Bridges to Prosperity. Nexus 4 Smartphones and Raspberry Pi Systems are investigated as an alternative to traditional monitoring systems. The results show that both the phones and the Raspberry Pi system can identify modal frequencies with a high level of accuracy compared to the reference sensors. The systems also show promise in identifying modal damping ratios and mode shapes, though further testing is required.