UCSD and CalTrans Connect Sensors on Kings Stormwater Channel Bridge to HPWREN

Last month, installation of structural monitoring sensors on the Kings Stormwater Channel Bridge was completed and connected to HPWREN. Researchers are now able to monitor real-time structural response of the bridge via instruments such as accelerometers and strain gauges that stream information directly from the bridge to UCSD and California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) laboratories.

The HPWREN-connected Kings Stormwater Channel Bridge, a UCSD/CalTrans demonstration bridge located on California State Route 86 near the Salton Sea, uses reinforced polymer matrix composites for the girders and decks.

"The sensor system was installed to enable continuous health monitoring of the bridge which is the first of its kind - and the wireless connectivity enables a direct link from the bridge to UCSD and CalTrans," explained Vistap Karbhari, Chair of the UCSD Structural Engineering Department. "Data will be utilized by both the Department of Structural Engineering at UCSD and engineers at CalTrans."

"This system will also allow seismology researchers like myself access to a new real-time strong motion seismic station - where none existed before," added Frank Vernon, HPWREN co-principal investigator.

The Kings Stormwater Channel Bridge's HPWREN connectivity originates via an eight-foot antenna at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, streams onto Mount Woodson, and then to Cuyamaca Mountains. The connection hops from Cuyamaca Mountains to Mount Laguna, on to Toro Peak, and finally to a 40-inch grid antenna located near the Kings Stormwater Channel Bridge.

Participants in the activity included staff from the HPWREN team, UCSD's Department of Structural Engineering, and the California Department of Transportation.

Additional photographs regarding the installation activity are available at https://cdn.hpwren.ucsd.edu/images/20021017/ and https://cdn.hpwren.ucsd.edu/images/20021018/.

-KMB