New sensors to monitor storm surge on bridges

The University of Florida team, supported by the National Science Foundation, is deploying water pressure sensors on bridges along Florida's Atlantic Coast to study their safety during hurricanes. The sensors collect real-time data on water levels and impact loads, which is crucial for understanding bridge vulnerabilities. The team faces challenges in ensuring the system's robustness during storms but plans to improve sensor capabilities to measure structural responses. This research aims to enhance bridge resilience and provide early warnings of storm damage.

What is the primary purpose of deploying water pressure sensors on bridges?

• To measure the temperature of the water

• To monitor bridge safety during hurricanes

• To track the speed of vehicles on the bridge

• To calculate the height of the bridge

Why is it important to select vulnerable and accessible structures for sensor deployment?

• To collect relevant data directly ahead of a storm

• To reduce the cost of sensor deployment

• To make it easier for the team to retrieve the sensors

• To ensure the sensors are visible to the public

What kind of data do the sensors collect during a hurricane?

• Wind speed and direction

• Traffic flow on the bridge

• Temperature and humidity

• Water levels and storm surge measurements

How do the sensors transmit data back to the university?

• Through a wired connection

• By manual retrieval after the storm

• Via a solar-powered hub wirelessly

• Using satellite communication

What future enhancements are planned for the sensor system?

• Adding sensors to measure air quality

• Incorporating sensors to capture structural responses

• Installing cameras for visual monitoring

• Developing a mobile app for real-time updates