Bridge Stress Measurement via Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring stress distribution on structural objects, such as bridges, when a moving object passes, face inaccuracies due to varying measurement intervals and temperature changes, particularly when vehicles travel between bridge piers.
Innovation Solution
A stress distribution measurement system and method that utilize a visible light camera to capture the movement duration of a vehicle between bridge piers and an infrared camera to generate thermal image data, calculating temperature and stress changes to accurately determine stress distribution on the bridge surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If infrared thermography is used to measure stress distribution continuously, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inclusion of irrelevant time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous measurement period into distinct phases: a first period when the vehicle approaches and passes between bridge piers, and a second period when the vehicle is positioned over the piers. Stress distribution measurements are performed only during the first period when stress changes occur, excluding the second period where stress remains relatively constant. This segmentation improves measurement precision by focusing only on relevant time windows while maintaining adequate coverage through continuous monitoring capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If measurement interval is extended to capture full vehicle passage, then measurement completeness is improved, but temperature variation interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting vehicle approach and initiating measurement protocols before the vehicle reaches the critical measurement zone between bridge piers. The measurement window is precisely timed to capture stress changes during vehicle passage while minimizing exposure to ambient temperature variations that occur over longer periods. This preliminary timing action ensures complete capture of stress events while limiting temperature interference.
3Loss of information
If continuous thermal imaging is performed, then data completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous thermal imaging, the system employs periodic action by activating the infrared camera only during specific measurement periods when vehicles are detected approaching and passing between bridge piers. The system transitions between active measurement modes and standby states, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining data completeness for all relevant stress events. This periodic operation is triggered by vehicle detection and synchronized with the measurement protocol.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of stress distribution measurement by specifically capturing thermal data during the vehicle's passage between piers, improving the precision of stress analysis on structural objects like bridges.
Implementation Method 1
generating, as second image data, thermal image data in accordance with temperature at a surface of the beam part by performing image capturing of the surface of the beam part of the structural object through a second image capturing unit
Implementation Method 2
measuring variation distribution of stress acting on the object by measuring minute temperature variation, in other words, thermoelastic temperature variation occurring in the object when the object elastically deforms
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for measuring stress distribution generated on a structural object including two support parts and a beam part provided between the support parts. The method includes: generating first data by sensing, through a first sensing unit, of a moving object or an identification display object attached to the structural object; calculating, based on the first data, a movement duration in which the moving object moves between the support parts; generating, as second data, thermal data by sensing of a surface of the beam part through a second sensing unit; calculating a temperature change amount based on a second data group corresponding to the movement duration; and calculating a stress change amount based on the temperature change amount to calculate stress distribution based on the stress change amount.