Bridge infrastructure is a vital component of transportation systems that is vulnerable to structural damage caused by dynamic loads, environmental factors, and aging. Early crack detection is crucial to prevent structural failures that may lead to catastrophic consequences. This study aims to develop a non-destructive detection method based on acoustic sensors to identify cracks in bridge structures with higher sensitivity and accuracy compared to conventional visual inspections. The research was conducted through laboratory experiments and field tests using acoustic sensors, data acquisition devices, and signal analysis software. The procedure included sensor installation on a bridge model, simulation of artificial cracks with varying sizes and positions, recording of acoustic wave signals, and data analysis using frequency spectrum, amplitude, and waveform pattern approaches. The results show significant differences between normal and cracked conditions in the frequency spectrum, where cracks produced amplitude anomalies at specific frequencies. Amplitude analysis revealed a positive correlation between crack size and acoustic signal intensity, while waveform pattern analysis demonstrated the influence of crack position on distortion levels. Cracks located at the center generated the highest distortion, followed by joints and edges. These findings confirm that acoustic sensors, particularly fiber-optic-based ones, offer advantages such as high sensitivity, reliability under complex environmental conditions, and the ability to detect subsurface cracks. The implications of this research highlight the potential development of an acoustic sensor-based structural health monitoring system integrated with real-time analysis software, thereby supporting preventive maintenance, extending infrastructure lifespan, and enhancing transportation safety.
Copyrights © 2025