Real-time structural health monitoring of the '25 de Abril' bridge with advanced data acquisition

This presentation will focus on the application of data acquisition to monitor the structural health of the Ponte 25 de Abril in Lisbon, one of Europe's longest suspension bridges. The bridge is continuously monitored using more than 200 integrated sensors, including strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement transducers, and temperature sensors. The system utilizes Gantner Instruments' advanced data acquisition platform, which enables real-time data collection and processing via a synchronized network of 13 measuring stations. Thanks to cloud connectivity, the data is securely stored and analyzed instantly. This continuous monitoring allows engineers to detect structural degradation early and proactively schedule maintenance, contributing to the safety and longevity of the bridge. The presentation will also highlight technical challenges, such as temperature compensation, signal noise near railway lines, and time synchronization over long distances. The project is a successful example of how modern measurement technology and data processing contribute to the preservation of critical infrastructure.

Speaker: Stephan Ploegman – Gantner

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