This research provides a research and educational platform that is ideal for a variety of bridge studies.  The work included in this proposal is the design and installation of embedded accelerometers, strain gages, and thermocouples throughout the bridge structure which can then be used for dynamic studies in the future.  Additionally, this proposal covers the initial characterization of this bridge using the dynamic data and the comparison of that data with a validated structural model.

The temperature data will be synthesized with the bridge acceleration data to allow for ongoing studies of the effects of a thermo-gradient of the deck and girders to the dynamic response of a bridge.  The bridge modal frequencies and mode shapes will be correlated with the many temperature sensors on the bridge.

All dynamic data will be collected from ambient vibration of the bridge.  These ambient vibrations are provided by traffic, both on and near the subject structure, as well as vibrations provided by wind and the river flowing under the bridge.