Long-term structural health monitoring of the Crowchild Trail Bridge

Abstract

Steel-free deck design is a relatively new approach to bridge deck construction. Several steel-free deck bridges constructed in Canada exhibited satisfactory behaviour immediately after construction. However, the long-term health of many of these structures has not been investigated. Significant cracking has been observed in many of these structures after only a few years in service. Long-term structural health monitoring of these structures is key in determining their long-term performance and future adoption of this new technology. Structural health monitoring data were obtained from the steel-free deck of the Crowchild Trail Bridge during its first seven years in service. Field monitoring included ambient vibration tests, static and dynamic load tests, and deck crack mapping. Despite significant amounts of cracks in the concrete deck and barriers, the overall behaviour of the Crowchild Trail Bridge has remained satisfactory and consistent. Future steel-free deck designs should consider crack control to meet serviceability requirements.