GB-SAR in the Diagnosis of Critical City Infrastructure—A Case Study of a Load Test on the Long Tram Extradosed Bridge

Abstract

This article describes a case of using remote sensing during a static load test of a large bridge, which, because of its location, belongs to a critical city infrastructure. The bridge in question is the longest tram flyover in Poland. This is an extradosed-type concrete structure. It conducts a long tram line over 21 other active lines of an important railway station in the center of Cracow. The diagnostic of such bridges involving the load test method is difficult. Traditional, contact measurements of span displacements are not enough anymore. In such cases, remote sensing becomes an indispensable solution. This publication presents an example of using the close-range radar remote sensing technique of ground-based radar interferometry. However, the cross-sections of the huge bridge were observed using several methods. The aim was to confirm the conditions and efficiency of radar displacement measurements. They were therefore traditional contact measurements using mechanic sensors conducted, if possible, to the bottom of the span, for precise leveling and measurement using electronic total station. Comparing the results as well as the discussion held demonstrated the fundamental advantages of remote sensing methods over the other more traditional techniques.