TRIAL OF FATIGUE CRACK MONITORING OF CUT-OUTS IN CORNER PLATES OF STEEL BOX GIRDERS USING LPWA AND CONSIDERATION OF THE METHOD

Abstract

In this study, a monitoring method utilizing LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technology to transfer strain measurement data near welded joints was investigated. Using this method, year-round preliminary measurements were conducted on the cut-outs in the corner plates of an actual bridge to determine strain variations caused by vehicle loads and temperature changes. Additionally, fatigue tests targeting cracks in the cut-outs of the corner plates were performed to identify the trends in strain variations during crack initiation and propagation. Based on these results, appropriate measurement methods and threshold strain values for effective monitoring of actual bridges were proposed.