Reduced scale model test device for bridge health monitoring

By using a bridge health monitoring device with an adjustable variable cross-section truss and mortise and tenon connection structure, various risk scenarios for bridges are simulated, solving the problem that existing devices cannot fully simulate these scenarios and achieving more accurate bridge performance evaluation.

CN223870312UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03HEFEI INST FOR PUBLIC SAFETY RES TSINGHUA UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520579964.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-31
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing bridge health monitoring devices are unable to simulate a variety of complex risk scenarios, especially those involving weakening of the main girder stiffness, foundation settlement, main girder overturning, and bearing damage, resulting in insufficient accuracy and repeatability of the assessment.

Method used

The system employs an adjustable variable cross-section truss and mortise and tenon joint structure, combined with adjustable supports and a lifting mechanism, to simulate scenarios such as bridge stiffness degradation, foundation settlement, and support damage. The system also monitors the structural response in real time through a sensor module.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible reproduction of various risk scenarios for bridges, improves the accuracy and repeatability of health monitoring, and can assess the safety and performance changes of bridges under extreme working conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of bridge engineering, and discloses a reduced scale model test device for bridge health monitoring, which comprises a main body truss constructed by a plurality of truss units, and stress notches are arranged on the truss units so as to simulate bridge structure damage caused by section weakening; the test device further comprises a reinforcing block which can be filled in the stress gap, so that the stress characteristic of a normal cross section is simulated. According to the utility model, through the arrangement of the adjustable variable cross-section truss, when the complementary reinforcing blocks on the truss units are disassembled / replaced, the cross-section size and rigidity of the truss are changed, so that the rigidity degradation process of a bridge member is simulated, the aging and degradation scenes of a bridge can be flexibly reproduced, the overall structure is flexible and adjustable, the adaptability is strong, and the test efficiency is high. And rapid assembly and adjustment are facilitated.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bridge engineering, specifically a scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring. Background Technology

[0002] Typical risk scenarios for bridges are often difficult to simulate on engineering bridges. Some complex risk scenarios may lead to structural failure, and many risk scenarios are sudden and non-repeatable, making them difficult to reproduce in real engineering projects. This means that performance evaluation of bridges under these special conditions usually relies on numerical simulation. Although numerical simulation can provide some valuable data, it is limited by simulation assumptions and model accuracy, and cannot fully reflect the real response of actual bridges under various complex environments. In particular, conducting multi-scenario risk testing in small laboratory environments faces significant limitations.

[0003] Existing patent document CN221406683U discloses a bridge experimental model device. This device uses a double-tower, double-sided structural design, connecting the left and right sets of cable towers to the bridge deck via stay cables to form a triangular structure. By measuring physical quantities such as stress, strain, displacement, and cable force of the bridge body and cable towers, it can simulate the mechanical response of a cable-stayed bridge under static and dynamic loads, thereby analyzing the structural performance of long-span bridges under the risk of heavy vehicle overloading.

[0004] However, while this device provides effective testing of bridge performance under static and dynamic loads, its limitations lie in its inability to cover a variety of complex risk scenarios. For example, it cannot simulate the bridge's response under typical risk scenarios such as weakened main girder stiffness, foundation settlement, main girder overturning, and bearing damage. The versatility and adaptability of existing devices are somewhat limited, especially in that they do not fully meet the simulation and experimental needs of various complex risk scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring. Through an adjustable variable cross-section truss, it flexibly simulates the stiffness degradation process of bridges, and the mortise and tenon structure facilitates rapid assembly and adjustment.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model discloses a scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring, including a main truss constructed from several truss units, with stress gaps provided on the truss units; the test device also includes reinforcing blocks that can be filled into the stress gaps, thereby simulating bridge structural damage caused by normal cross-section and cross-section weakening.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above solution, the reinforcing block is a tenon block and the stress notch is a mortise, which can form a tenon-and-mortise connection structure.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above solution, the two ends of the mortise are through, and the tenon and mortise joint is located on both sides of the through groove.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the test apparatus also includes a bridge deck fixedly connected to the bottom of the main truss and used to provide support for the simulated load.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the test device also includes multiple supports arranged at the bottom of the bridge deck; the supports include a top plate, a bearing and a bottom plate; the top of the top plate is fixedly connected to the bridge deck, and the bottom of the top plate and the bottom plate are rotatably connected by the bearing.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above solution, the support is also provided with a limiting mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the top plate; the limiting mechanism includes two belts symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support, the top and bottom of the belts are fixedly connected to the slots on the top plate and the bottom plate respectively by fixing pins, and the tilt angle of the top plate is adjusted by adjusting the length of the two belts to limit the amount of rotation of the top plate relative to the bottom plate.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the test device also includes a lifting mechanism for adjusting the height of the supports, and the number of lifting mechanisms corresponds one-to-one with the number of supports.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above solution, the lifting mechanism includes at least one linear actuator; the linear actuator is installed between the base plate and the ground, and its direction of travel is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the test device also includes a sensor module, which includes: a strain sensor, a non-contact triaxial displacement meter, and an accelerometer; the strain sensor is installed on the main truss and is used to collect strain data at corresponding points; the non-contact triaxial displacement meter corresponds to multiple reflective optical targets installed at the junction of the main truss and the support, and is used to collect displacement data at corresponding points; the accelerometer is installed in the central area of ​​the bridge deck and is used to collect vibration data at corresponding points.

[0016] As a further improvement to the above scheme, adjacent truss units are connected by bolts.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. This application uses an adjustable variable cross-section truss. When the complementary reinforcing blocks on the truss unit are removed / replaced, the cross-sectional dimensions and stiffness of the truss change accordingly, thereby simulating the stiffness degradation process of bridge components. This allows for the flexible reproduction of bridge aging and degradation scenarios. The overall structure is flexible and adjustable, highly adaptable, and easy to assemble and adjust quickly.

[0019] 2. This application uses a limitable lifting support. When the lifting mechanism is activated, the top plate of the support moves upward under the action of the lifting mechanism to simulate the foundation settlement or main beam overturning scenario of the bridge. When the limiting mechanism restricts the rotation angle of the support, the working condition scenario of support damage can be reproduced. In this way, multiple boundary conditions of the bridge can be reproduced in a controlled environment, improving the risk scenario reproduction capability of the device.

[0020] 3. Unlike existing technologies that are limited to mechanical behavior testing, the device in this application, through innovative design, can simulate the response of bridges under various typical risk scenarios, particularly under conditions such as weakening of the main girder stiffness, foundation settlement, main girder overturning, and bearing damage. This allows for the detection of not only the conventional mechanical behavior of bridges but also the assessment of changes in bridge safety and performance under sudden or extreme conditions. Through this innovative multi-scenario risk testing method, the device can significantly improve the accuracy and repeatability of health monitoring and performance evaluation of bridge structures. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the truss unit and reinforcing block in the embodiment of this utility model during disassembly.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional projection of the truss unit and the reinforcing block during installation in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the support, limiting mechanism, and lifting mechanism in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Main truss; 2. Bridge deck; 3. Support; 4. Sensor module; 11. Truss unit; 12. Reinforcing block; 31. Top plate; 32. Bearing; 33. Bottom plate; 34. Limiting mechanism; 341. Belt; 342. Slot; 35. Lifting mechanism; 41. Strain sensor; 42. Non-contact triaxial displacement meter; 43. Accelerometer; 44. Reflective optical target. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides a scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring. The device adopts a modular design, has a compact overall structure, and is easy to assemble, adjust, and disassemble quickly. The test device includes a main truss 1, a bridge deck 2, supports 3, a lifting mechanism 35, and a sensor module 4.

[0028] The main truss 1 serves as the main load-bearing structure of the device and is constructed from several columnar truss units 11. Adjacent truss units 11 are connected by bolts.

[0029] In this embodiment, the two ends of the truss unit 11 are fixed rectangular sections, that is, the truss unit 11 is cuboid in shape. In other embodiments, it can also be a cylinder or a polygonal prism. Each truss unit 11 is detachably provided with a reinforcing block 12 that extends axially and is complementary to itself.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the projection of the reinforcing block 12 on a section perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e., Figure 3 a) is always projected onto the end of truss unit 11 (i.e. Figure 3 In section b), the coverage is such that Projection 1 is smaller than Projection 2, and the former is always "covered" by the latter, thus forming a variable cross-section design to simulate the characteristics of bridge stiffness degradation. In addition, the area of ​​Projection 1 is adjustable to simulate bridge structural damage caused by different degrees of cross-sectional weakening.

[0031] The reinforcing block 12 is a tenon, and the stress notch is a mortise, which together form a tenon-and-mortise connection structure. The two ends of the mortise are through, and the tenon-and-mortise connection is located on both sides of the through groove.

[0032] In this embodiment, the truss unit 11 has a stress gap along its length for installing a reinforcing block 12. The stress gap is equipped with a set of replaceable reinforcing block combinations, which include at least two reinforcing blocks 12 with different cross-sectional areas, thereby making the area of ​​the projection adjustable.

[0033] The reinforcing block 12 of this invention is used to adjust the cross-sectional dimensions of the entity at the stress notch, thereby flexibly adjusting the overall stiffness of the truss to simulate the characteristics of bridge stiffness degradation. The depth of the stress notch can be appropriately increased according to requirements, thus simulating a greater degree of stiffness degradation. It should be noted that even if the stress notch is deep, it can be filled by installing a "thicker" reinforcing block 12. As specified above, the outer contour of the installed reinforcing block 12 does not need to exceed the outer contour of the original truss unit 11, because exceeding it does not conform to the scenario of bridge stiffness "degradation," thus saving some materials.

[0034] In some embodiments, the truss unit 11 may also have two or more stress notches along its length. The stress notches may be located at 1 / 2, 1 / 4, or 3 / 4 of the length of the truss unit 11, etc., and can be flexibly set according to the test requirements.

[0035] In some embodiments, the reinforcing block 12 can be spliced ​​with the truss unit 11 via a connector, which is a detachable quick connector, such as a snap-fit ​​or adhesive.

[0036] The bridge deck 2 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the main truss 1 and is used to provide support for the simulated load. Specifically, the top of the bridge deck 2 is flat and can be used to carry the test trolley or counterweight for moving loading or static loading.

[0037] Four supports 3 are provided and arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the bridge deck 2. Multi-condition experiments are carried out by simulating the boundary conditions of the bridge supports and the settlement of the foundation. Each support 3 includes a top plate 31, a bearing 32 and a bottom plate 33. The top of the top plate 31 is fixedly connected to the bridge deck 2, and the bottom of the top plate 31 and the bottom plate 33 are rotatably connected by a rolling bearing 32, allowing the support 3 to rotate within a certain range.

[0038] The support 3 is also equipped with a limiting mechanism 34 for adjusting the tilt angle of the top plate 31. The limiting mechanism 34 includes two belts 341 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support 3. The top and bottom of the belts 341 are fixedly connected to slots 342 on the top plate 31 and bottom plate 33 respectively by fixing pins (not shown). By adjusting the length of the two belts 341, the rotation of the top plate 31 relative to the bottom plate 33 is limited, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the top plate 31. It should be noted that the belts 341 are inelastic, and the lengths of the two belts 341 are complementary. Adjusting the length of the belts 341 limits the rotation of the support 3. That is, when one belt 341 extends, the other belt 341 shortens to a suitable length. At this time, the rotation angle of the support 3 and the tilt angle of the top plate 31 are fixed, thus reproducing the scenario of restricted rotation caused by damage to the support 3.

[0039] The lifting mechanism 35 is used to adjust the height of the support 3, and the number of lifting mechanisms 35 corresponds one-to-one with the number of supports 3. Each lifting mechanism 35 includes at least one linear actuator; the linear actuator is installed between the base plate 33 and the flat ground, and its direction of travel is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the linear actuator can be a cylinder or an electric push rod. Each group of lifting mechanisms 35 can have four linear actuators, evenly distributed at the four corners of the bottom of the base plate 33. By synchronously or asynchronously changing the extension of the piston, the supports 3 are lifted uniformly or non-uniformly, thereby simulating the foundation settlement or main beam overturning scenario of a bridge. The lifting mechanism 35 has high lifting accuracy, and the lifting speed and amplitude can be adjusted through a preset program to meet different experimental requirements.

[0040] The data acquisition units in sensor module 4 are distributed in key parts of the device. Sensor module 4 includes: a strain sensor 41, a non-contact triaxial displacement meter 42, and an accelerometer 43; the strain sensor 41 is installed on the main truss 1 and is used to collect strain data at corresponding points; the non-contact triaxial displacement meter 42 corresponds to multiple reflective optical targets 44 installed at the junction of the main truss 1 and the support 3 and is used to collect displacement data at corresponding points; the accelerometer 43 is installed in the central area of ​​the bridge deck 2 and is used to collect vibration data at corresponding points.

[0041] The strain, displacement, and vibration data mentioned above are used for structural health monitoring. Specifically, sensor module 4 can be connected to the data acquisition system via a wireless data transmission device to transmit monitoring data such as strain, displacement, and deceleration, supporting real-time data analysis and fault early warning. The specific principles will not be elaborated further.

[0042] The experimental device of this utility model has the following application scenarios and working principles:

[0043] 1. Structural stiffness degradation: By adjusting the installation position of the stiffening block 12 in the main truss 1, the mid-section of the truss unit 11 is changed, thereby adjusting the overall stiffness. This simulates the stiffness degradation process of a bridge caused by cross-sectional weakening or material aging.

[0044] 2. Bridge Foundation Settlement: The lifting mechanism 35 controls the raising and lowering of the bearing 3 to simulate uniform or non-uniform settlement conditions of the bridge foundation. In the uniform settlement simulation, the lifting speed and amplitude of the lifting mechanism 35 are the same, which can identify the stress distribution and structural changes when the bridge settles as a whole. In the non-uniform settlement scenario, the strain concentration phenomenon caused by abnormal settlement at certain foundation points of the bridge is simulated by adjusting the lifting amplitude and position of the bearings individually.

[0045] 3. Main Girder Overturning: The main girder overturning scenario is achieved through the linkage of the lifting mechanism 35 and the limiting mechanism 34. The lifting mechanism 35 is set to a non-uniform lifting mode, with one side of the support 3 rising or falling while the other side of the support 3 remains unchanged, to simulate the overturning of the bridge main girder under asymmetrical loads or uneven foundation settlement.

[0046] 4. Support Damage: Support damage simulation is achieved through the limiting mechanism 34. By adjusting the length of the belt 341 through the fixing pin and the slot 342, the rotation angle of the bearing 32 is limited, reproducing the scenario of partial failure or complete damage of the support 3.

[0047] In summary, this device, through its modular design and flexible configuration, can realize the simulation and health monitoring of bridges under various risk scenarios. It has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and produces accurate and reliable experimental results, making it suitable for bridge engineering research and performance evaluation.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring, characterized in that, The test apparatus includes a main truss (1) constructed from several truss units (11), with stress gaps provided on the truss units (11); the test apparatus also includes reinforcing blocks (12) that can be filled into the stress gaps, thereby simulating the bridge structure damage caused by normal cross-section and cross-section weakening.

2. The scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing block (12) is a tenon block, and the stress notch is a mortise, which together can form a tenon-mortise connection structure.

3. The scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mortise and tenon joint extends through both ends, and the tenon and tenon joint is located on both sides of the through groove.

4. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a bridge deck (2) that is fixedly connected to the bottom of the main truss (1) and is used to provide support for the simulated load.

5. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a plurality of supports (3) arranged at the bottom of the bridge deck (2); the supports (3) include a top plate (31), a bearing (32) and a bottom plate (33); the top of the top plate (31) is fixedly connected to the bridge deck (2), and the bottom of the top plate (31) and the bottom plate (33) are rotatably connected by the bearing (32).

6. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support (3) is also provided with a limiting mechanism (34) for adjusting the tilt angle of the top plate (31); the limiting mechanism (34) includes two belts (341) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support (3). The top and bottom of the belts (341) are fixedly connected to the slots (342) on the top plate (31) and the bottom plate (33) respectively by fixing pins. By adjusting the length of the two belts (341), the rotation of the top plate (31) relative to the bottom plate (33) is limited, thereby realizing the adjustment of the tilt angle of the top plate (31).

7. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting mechanism (35) for adjusting the height of the support (3), the number of which corresponds one-to-one with the number of supports (3).

8. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (35) includes at least one linear actuator; the linear actuator is mounted between the base plate (33) and the ground, and its direction of travel is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

9. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sensor module (4), which includes: a strain sensor (41), a non-contact triaxial displacement meter (42), and an accelerometer (43); the strain sensor (41) is installed on the main truss (1) and is used to collect strain data at corresponding points; the non-contact triaxial displacement meter (42) corresponds to multiple reflective optical targets (44) installed at the junction of the main truss (1) and the support (3) and is used to collect displacement data at corresponding points; the accelerometer (43) is installed in the central area of ​​the bridge deck (2) and is used to collect vibration data at corresponding points.

10. A scaled-down model test device for bridge health monitoring according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The two adjacent truss units (11) are connected by bolts.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Double-tower double-sided cable-stayed bridge experimental model device

    CN221406683U