structure

Structures
Bridges

Highway Bridges

For over 20 years, BDI has been providing cost-effective diagnostic load testing services all over the world. We’ve developed the field equipment and analytical software to deliver results in the most efficient way possible.

services

Diagnostic Load Testing

Field tests are completed with a readily available vehicle and the data used to calibrate a finite element model of the structure. Based on the field-calibrated model, accurate load ratings are determined.

Evaluate effectiveness of strengthening and other repairs
Overload and permit loads
Accurate load ratings HS-20 and any other design vehicles

Whether you’re evaluating a steel, concrete, timber, or composite fiber bridge, BDI makes an excellent team partner for DOT’s, design firms, and university researchers.

Structural Monitoring

By following the rule of “keeping it as simple as possible”, BDI will configure the system with the least amount of hardware and sensors that collects the relevant information in the most efficient manner.

Most BDI monitoring systems can be configured with wireless communication capabilities. When coupled with our Live Monitoring Service, the customer can log in on-line with their username and password and review data from any PC.

Monitor crack growth in concrete members
Pier rotations due to scour (marine structures)
Expansion joint displacements due to temperature fluctuations
Fatigue cycle counting
Overloaded vehicle weight enforcement

Structural Monitoring System Installation
Either working on our own or with your support crews, BDI can provide professional installation services for all of our monitoring systems including sensor placement, cable routing through conduit, and system start up.

Balancing Forces for Lift Bridges

BDI uses a combination of measurements to help balancing loads for all types of lift bridges. Some of the parameters we measure directly during the balancing operation are:

Shear strains on drive shafts using wireless transmitter
Displacements at bridge corners
Cable forces either with load cells or accelerometers
Motor current draw

Concrete Reinforcement Location Services

BDI uses GPR and other technologies to develop “as built” plans for all types of concrete bridges. We’ll mobilize to the site, collect data, and develop drawings that indicate the size and location of the primary reinforcement so that AASHTO load capacities can be calculated.

Weighing Permit Loads

Do you need to verify the axle loads for those super-heavy permit vehicles? BDI has a set of specialized portable scales and we can meet the load as they enter your jurisdiction and quickly and efficiently weigh them!

On-Line Data Monitoring Service

For customers who are using our monitoring systems that are equipped with remote access capabilities, BDI offers online access through our secure server.

Please have your username and password ready to log in with the following link: BDI Live Monitoring Service

Cable Force Testing

Depending on the application, cable forces can be measured either using in-line load cells or using vibratory methods. For projects where load cells can be installed, BDI can configure a data recording system to automatically store cable forces. This can be a very powerful method for balancing forces between many cables.

In other applications, it may not be feasible to install load cells. Therefore, an alternative method can be used by measuring the cable’s fundamental frequency of vibration with our Cable Force Measurement System.

Using the vibratory method, load cells, or other approaches, BDI can mobilize quickly to help your crews adjust cable or tension rod forces until they are within design specifications.

Measure multiple forces simultaneously
Hand-held units used for single cable measurements
Data can be recorded for quality assurance

Girder Transportation Force Monitoring

From the casting yard to the job site, transportation loads on large structural members can be significant. BDI can instrument and monitor the loads during the entire process.

Measure primary & out-of-plane bending loads
Record stress envelopes during installation
Record load position along haul route using GPS

Concrete Curing Temperature Monitoring

During casting of new concrete elements, small sensors can be installed and easily monitored to ensure that curing temperatures remain within specifications.

Sensors are rugged & low cost
Simple-to-use recorder stores data
Confirm curing temperatures during winter pours

Residual Stress Testing

BDI follows the procedures described in ASTM Standard E837 for determining in-situ stresses in structural steel members. Using a precision milling guide along with our BDI STS, we drill a very small hole and record the amount of strain released. We then used specialized software to determine the orientation and approximate magnitude of the in-situ stresses.

Roadway Vertical Clearance Measurement

BDI offers roadway clearance measurement services using our laser-based ClearanceMaster 3000™ system. We’ll typically team with a local engineering firm to accurately record and store clearances for bridges, sign structures, power lines, and other structures along designated routes.

The BDI CM-3000™ system is mounted on the vehicle using a standard Class III hitch mount and continuously records clearance measurements as the vehicle crosses below the structure at highway speed. The complete profile of the bottom of the structure is recorded, and the minimum measurement is then extracted and stored. BDI then supplies a detailed report that provides drawings and clearances for each lane line below the structures.

Both laser and ultrasonic ranging technologies are utilized, providing an overall accuracy of better than 1/2 inch (13mm).

Click here to view more information about the ClearanceMaster 3000™ system.

Dynamic Monitoring Systems
STS-WiFi - Wireless Structural Testing Systems
BDI Strain Transducers
Structural Monitoring Systems

Structures

Railroad & Transit Bridges

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Highway Bridges

Diagnostic Load Testing

Structural Monitoring

Balancing Forces for Lift Bridges

Concrete Reinforcement Location Services

Weighing Permit Loads

On-Line Data Monitoring Service

Cable Force Testing

Girder Transportation Force Monitoring

Concrete Curing Temperature Monitoring

Residual Stress Testing

Roadway Vertical Clearance Measurement

Products

Structures

Related Pages

BDI | Bridge Diagnostics, Inc.