Detection and magnification of bridge displacements using video images

Abstract

Monitoring displacements on some structures such as large bridges is essential to study their structural performance in order to avoid severe damage or even their collapse. In this work, we use images obtained with digital video cameras to estimate the displacements of a metallic bridge by means of cross-correlation. Thus, it was possible to detect millimetric displacements for distances between the camera and the bridge upper ten meters. In order to obtain a better representation of the structural displacements along the bridge and its modal shapes, a technique of video magnification was also applied. The results obtained show that the combination of both techniques can provide relevant information for a structural analysis of the bridge.