Bridge-Deflection Monitoring by GPS

Major bridges are designed to accommodate specific levels of traffic and wind loading, as well as to withstand deterioration over time. But it’s not unusual for them to experience levels greater than those initially anticipated. As a result of these forces and thermal action, the large structures often move by decimeters. While engineers use theoretical models to design the structures, they rarely compare the models with actual movement measurements. To factor in these real-world conditions, engineers are turning to a new application of an established technology.