Dynamic measurements on stay cables of cable-stayed bridges using an interferometry laser system

ConclusionsDynamic measurements on stay cables of cable-stayed bridges are currently performed during construction and when the bridge is already in operation. This is generally done using conventional accelerometers, which entails a rather hard and tedious test protocol, specially when dealing with a large number of stay cables. The results presented in this article clearly evidence the useful role that an interferometry laser sensor can play in this context. This provides an alternative measurement system enabling the performance of extensive measurements without direct contact with the vibrating surface of the cables and provides measurements of high level of accuracy, particularly in terms of identification of natural frequencies and cable tensions.