ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL DEFORMATION USING GPS DATA

Abstract

Global Positioning System technology can provide position information with accuracy to a few millimeters in near real-time. With this level of precision, the movement of structures can be monitored. Every structure on earth moves. After construction of any structure, throughout its life it is subjected to loading. Over a period of time structure shows deformation, due to various other factors like high wind velocity, strong storms earthquake etc. So it is important to monitor the structure and if required suitable action needs to be taken before it fails. Failure of important structures likes dams, large bridges, high rise buildings etc, means severe loss of human life and property, a simple method to monitor these structures is warrant of situation. In this study displacement of a cable stayed suspension bridge on upper Ganga canal, near Irrigation Research Institute Roorkee has been studied at different loading conditions. The displacement at suitable points on the structure has been measured due to load in static condition and in varying condition. The difference in response given by bridge for these two conditions has been statistical tested to check its significance. The displacement values obtained from GPS and total station have been compared. It has been observed that the response of bridge under static loading is significantly different to that of varying load.