Monitoring Structural Health of Penang Bridge Using Online System

Penang Bridge was completed in 1985 as the main linkway between mainland Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Penang. The approach spans are currently being widened from 2-lane dual carriageway to 3-lane dual carriageway including an additional motorcycle lane on each carriageway due to huge increase in traffic volumes since the bridge was originally completed. There is a need to monitor the structural health condition during construction activities for any possible short-term effects and also post-construction for long-term bridge performance. A monitoring system for settlement, tilt and vibration is implemented at Penang Bridge to monitor structural health. Data from sensors positioned along the full-length of the bridge are picked-up and transmitted to the data-logger system via wireless modem and this allows real-time monitoring to be carried out remotely at the control centre. The system has proven to be able to pick-up any major changes in the structural condition of the bridge and provide ample warning, especially during the current construction stage. Once the widening works has been completed, the system will remain as a permanent means of monitoring the long-term structural health of the bridge.