Implementation of a B-WIM system in a centenary steel truss bridge

A novel, minimalistic approach to monitoring traffic on historic bridges has been successfully demonstrated using the Luiz I Bridge in Porto. By installing just two strain gauges on cross beams, researchers achieved accurate identification of vehicle direction, speed, and load—key parameters for structural health assessment. This lightweight 'B-WIM' system (Bridge-Weight-In-Motion) not only characterizes tram-train traffic on the upper deck but also generates precise influence lines for damage detection methods. The findings highlight the potential for low-cost, non-intrusive monitoring in centenary steel structures, offering a scalable solution for UNESCO World Heritage Sites with similar challenges.

(Ed.). (2015). Implementation of a B-WIM system in a centenary steel truss bridge. Multi-Span Large Bridges, 827–834. https://doi.org/10.1201/b18567-98