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Wireless Sensors Will Allow Constant Vigilance Of State's Bridges The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) have begun a test program of new wireless sensors to test bridge stress and vibrations that could eventually be used on the state's 17,000 bridges, Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn & Queens) announced on Tuesday. In August, Weiner and local lawmakers called for the installation of new fiber optic stress detection technology on bridges to allow for year around inspection that could prevent a catastrophic bridge failure like the tragic incident in Minneapolis. Currently, bridges are inspected every two years, approximately 90 percent of which are conducted visually. "While our bridges are safe, we have to be vigilant," Weiner said. "It's simply a no-brainer." Due to recent technology advances, fiber optic sensors can be installed on spans and enable bridges to signal for help the moment structural problems arise. The sensors detect minute strains and changes in a bridge, leading to the immediate identification of cracks or weakening in the structure. In addition to identifying cracks, the sensors can detect the speed at which those cracks are spreading, identify the stress caused by heavy loads and natural elements such as heat and wind, and also measure corrosive activity. The sensors don't require batteries and would remain operational for many years. The cost of implementing this preventive technology is modest. The cost of installing sensors on a larger span such as the Brooklyn Bridge is an estimated $250,000 to $500,000. Fiber optic sensor programs have already been successfully used around the world - including the Manhattan and Third Avenue bridges in New York City. Sensor technology is being used in California, Colorado, Georgia, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and countries such as Canada, France, Germany and Japan. According to a 2006 report by the City, 84 percent of New York City's 19 largest bridge spans are in poor or fair condition. Despite spending $3 billion on bridge reconstruction over the last 8 years, the federal Department of Transportation has deemed 178 of the city's bridges as structurally deficient, which signifies they're in need of work but not in danger of imminent collapse. While our city's bridges are safe, decay from rust on steel gussets used in nearly all of the city's steel bridges could eventually critically weaken supporting structures, and the cost to repair all the spans is prohibitive. As New York City and the nation face infrastructure maintenance costs that dwarf the amount of funds currently budgeted, sensor technology will provide invaluable information as to which bridges need repair first.
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