Strategies and tools for the monitoring of concrete bridges

Abstract The paper presents a review of testing methods, a proposal for classifying the strategies, and tools applied in the monitoring of concrete bridges, the required consistent taxonomy of defects, and also the degradation mechanisms that are typical for such structures. Two main strategies of bridge monitoring are distinguished and described: inspection‐based monitoring and device‐based monitoring. The basic functional components of both types of monitoring systems are also presented. Monitoring methods, including nondestructive and semi‐destructive techniques, as well as various types of sensors based on physical, chemical, and biological technologies, are discussed and classified. The general rules of the implementation and operation of bridge monitoring systems are presented while taking into account the results of international research projects and contemporary practical experience. The considered issues are related to the fib Model Code 2020 (MC2020), which focuses on the evaluation of structural performance and which is assisted by monitoring and testing.