Monitoring bridges for long-term integrity
In a recent monitoring project on a steel arch railway bridge built in the early 1900s, ASC’s low-frequency accelerometers and gyroscopes were installed at critical structural points. The goal: to continuously measure microvibrations and angular drift under both traffic loads and environmental influences (such as temperature shifts and soil movement).
The system enabled continuous data acquisition and long-term trend analysis, supporting predictive maintenance strategies and improved lifecycle planning.
Suggested products
ASC 5521MF Capacitive accelerometer sensor
- Triaxial MEMS capacitive design
- Up to 7 kHz bandwidth
- IP67 aluminum or steel housing
ASC 4411LN / ASC 4415LN MEMS Capacitive Accelerometer
- Uniaxial MEMS sensor with ±4 V output
- IP67 protected aluminum or stainless-steel case
- Ultra-low noise and stable signal integrity
ASC 271 Uniaxial angular rate sensor
- MEMS vibrating ring gyro with high shock resistance
- Angular rate sensor with ±900 °/s range and 0.2 °/√hr ARW
- Designed for navigation, robotics, and mobile platforms
Early warning system in action
The monitoring system was configured to:
- Record vibration signatures during train crossings
- Measure long-term shifts or resonance build-up in key structural joints
- Trigger warnings when amplitude or frequency thresholds were exceeded
This helped the maintenance team:
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Identify fatigue risksin load-bearing elements
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Plan reinforcementwork in advance of visible deterioration
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Reduce inspection frequencywhile increasing diagnostic accuracy
Data-driven decisions for municipalities and operators
The bridge monitoring data was integrated into the asset management system of the regional infrastructure authority. Engineers and planners gained access to:
- Daily and seasonal vibration trends
- Correlation between load cycles and stress patterns
- Actionable alerts for preventive maintenance and budget planning
Applications across Europe’s aging infrastructure
Many bridges across Europe are approaching or exceeding their design lifespan. With stricter safety standards and growing pressure for cost-effective upgrades, non-invasive, sensor-based monitoring is rapidly becoming the preferred solution.
By choosing ASC 4421LF, ASC 4411LN, and high-precision gyros, municipalities and operators gain high-resolution data without interrupting traffic or damaging historic structures.
Sensor technology that protects heritage and public safety
Monitoring historic bridges isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting the legacy of our infrastructure while ensuring modern safety standards. With ASC’s low-frequency accelerometers and gyroscopes, non-invasive structural monitoring becomes a powerful tool for asset preservation, risk mitigation, and intelligent maintenance planning.
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for continued safety and functionality of structures