Application of the Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System in Bridge Safety Monitoring

A real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) has been developed and installed on the Humen Bridge (China) for on-line monitoring of bridge deck movement, which may occur as a result of seismic activity, traffic load, and such environmental elements as temperature and wind. This paper presents the main features of the on-line GPS RTK system and its value for on-line safety monitoring.