Dae Im Kang

Dynamic Bridge Structure Monitoring Using Smart Elastomeric Bearing Equipped with PVDF Polymer Film

A smart elastomeric bearing using PVDF polymer film, which is very sensitive to dynamic loading condition, was developed. The PVDF polymer film was inserted into the elastomeric bearing to monitor the normal or shear load of the bridge structure. Thus, the prototype of the smart elastomeric bearing was finally fabricated with the electric circuit for signal of the PVDF polymer film to use as a monitoring system of the bridge structure. The evaluation apparatus of the smart elastomeric bearing was manufactured with shake and steel plate corresponding to bridge. The bearing was installed at the fabricated miniature bridge structure and tested under a variety of dynamic conditions. Finally the system confirmed that real time measurement of the elastomeric bearing in the bridge provided the structure with certain intelligence.