Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a promising technology for determining the condition of significant transportation structures objectively for efficient management and preservation of transportation assets. In addition to identifying, locating, and quantifying damage and deterioration due to effects of operation, aging, and natural hazards, the need for taking terrorism-related hazards into account has become evident after 9/11 terrorist attacks. Key transportation facilities like major bridges were identified by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as possible terrorist targets since their loss or even temporary deficiency could lead to major impacts on economy and mobility. Several governmental, local, and private organizations have been working on identifying possible modes of threats, determining and sorting vulnerable structures, and establishing ways to prevent, detect and respond to such attacks. Authorities are also investigating ways to integrate current and future bridge management systems with security surveillance systems. Highway bridges are key links of the transportation system. This paper reviews security measures for bridges and discuss possible integration of structural health and security monitoring for improving security and safety of bridges and emergency management after a natural or man-made disaster.

Recommended Citation

Catbas, F. Necati; Susoy, Melih; and Kapucu, Naim (2006) "Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges for Improving Transportation Security," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Vol. 3 : Iss. 4, Article 13.
DOI: 10.2202/1547-7355.1217
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jhsem/vol3/iss4/13