Patna : Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur is set to receive a Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) to enable digital monitoring of its structural condition and help engineers identify potential risks before they become serious.
The decision comes as work is being undertaken to restore damaged sections of the existing bridge. According to a report, engineers have decided to introduce the monitoring system on the old bridge in addition to the similar system already planned for the new four-lane bridge being constructed parallel to it.
The technology will help officials assess changes in the bridge’s structural condition using technical data, supplementing routine physical inspections.
How The Bridge Health Monitoring System Works
A Bridge Health Monitoring System uses sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics to monitor the condition of a structure.
Sensors installed at different points on a bridge can track changes in stress, vibrations, bending and displacement. The system can also collect data on structural movement under vehicle loads and changing environmental conditions.
If measurements exceed specified limits, the system can be configured to alert the relevant authorities, allowing engineers to investigate potential problems and take necessary action.
The technology is expected to provide a more continuous picture of the bridge’s condition rather than relying solely on periodic inspections.
Monitoring To Complement Restoration Work
The decision to install the system comes as preparations are underway to remove damaged sections of Vikramshila Setu and install steel girders as part of restoration efforts.
Once the restoration work progresses, monitoring data could help engineers assess how the structure responds to traffic loads and other conditions over time.
The information gathered through sensors will help technical teams identify changes in different sections of the bridge and determine whether closer inspection or maintenance is required.
New Four-Lane Bridge Also Planned For Digital Monitoring
A Bridge Health Monitoring System was already planned for the new four-lane bridge being constructed parallel to Vikramshila Setu. The decision to extend the proposed monitoring arrangement to the existing bridge adds a digital assessment component to its upkeep.
The system is intended to support structural assessment and maintenance planning by providing engineers with data on the bridge’s condition.
The installation timeline and other implementation details have not been specified in the available report. The proposed system is expected to complement, rather than replace, regular inspections and engineering assessments.
