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INFRASTRUCTUREWidespread use of sophisticated sensorshelps enforce against overweight trucksand protects bridges facilitiesWIRING BRIDGES TO IMPROVE UPKEEPMonitoring the dynamic behavior of the Brooklyn BridgeDOT has used technology to more efficiently detect problems onour bridges. GPS, laser scanning, ultrasonic testing, and fiber opticshave all been used on the East River Bridges in order to track tinymovements of the bridge structures resulting from vehicles, weather,river activity and seismic movements. The data has allowed DOTto more effectively monitor and maintain our bridges. For example,measurements from these scans confirmed that the torsion in themiddle of the Manhattan Bridge declined.DOT is also using weigh in motion sensors on the AlexanderHamilton Bridge to collect data about the impact of overweighttrucks on bridge conditions. As truck weight increases, damageto bridge structures accelerates exponentially, stressing bridgeroadways and structures, so better data about and enforcementagainst overweight trucks is a vital component of any bridgemaintenance program.The sensors, installed in the roadbed of the bridge in 2013,weigh each truck that travels over it. Data is then transferredelectronically to DOT staff for analysis and used to developassessments of the number of overweight trucks, and theimpacts of those trucks on the bridge structure. Widespread useof the sensors has the potential to help improve enforcementagainst overweight trucks and protect city facilities from thedisproportionate damage they cause.Strain gauge monitoring of beam on the Brooklyn BridgeSustainable Streets: 2013 and Beyond179