Perspective on structural health monitoring of bridge scour

Abstract

This paper celebrates A. S. E. Ackerman's centennial publication on an apparatus for the monitoring of piles by providing a perspective on instruments used to monitor bridge pile scours. A short review of early works provides the reader with a historical perspective on the development and application of bridge scour monitoring devices. After, a discussion on contemporary measurement techniques reveals how these early devices have evolved, and how vibration-based monitoring techniques have gained significant attention. Lastly, thoughts on future needs for these structural health monitoring solutions are shared, and include remarks on the required characteristics to construct the next generation of high-performance bridge scour measurement device and monitoring systems.