Vam Cong Bridge: Ensuring Structural Integrity with GeoSIG (Switzerland) Health Monitoring Technology

1. Challenges Facing a Key Infrastructure Project

With a length of nearly 3km and a cable-stayed main span of 450m, Vam Cong Bridge serves as a vital artery connecting Dong Thap and Can Tho. However, operating such a large-scale steel structure faces several external impacts:

Dynamic Loads: Constant heavy truck traffic and pressure the Hau River's flow.

Environmental Impacts: Strong winds, temperature changes, and tropical humidity.

Seismic Risks: The need to monitor ground vibrations to ensure structural integrity after abnormal events.

To solve this problem, an automated, accurate, 24/7 structural health monitoring system is a mandatory requirement.

2. Technical Solution: Combination of GMSplus Recorder and AC-23 Accelerometer

The project trusted equipment GeoSIG, a company with over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing seismic and structural health monitoring systems. The GeoSIG monitoring system includes:

GMSplus Recording Device: A new generation seismic recorder known for its 24-bit resolution, ensuring it captures everything the smallest vibrations to strong shocks. GMSplus acts as the "brain" for data acquisition, storage, and transmission.

AC-23 Accelerometer: Installed at strategic locations on the bridge towers and main beams to measure the structure's dynamic response across three axes (X, Y, Z).

3. How the SHM System Works at Vam Cong Bridge

The system is not merely about recording data; it is an intelligent analytical process:

Real-time Monitoring: Data sensors is digitized by GMSplus and transmitted to the operation center via Ethernet/Cellular networks.

Triggering Alerts: When vibrations exceeding design thresholds are detected (due to storms or incidents), GMSplus automatically triggers and sends emergency notifications to the management unit.

Dynamic Characteristic Analysis: Engineers use this data to analyze the Natural Frequency and Mode Shapes of the bridge. If these indicators change over time, it is an "early signal" that the structure may be experiencing issues such as steel fatigue, cable loosening, or cracking.

4. Outstanding Benefits of the GeoSIG Solution

The implementation of GMSplus at Vam Cong Bridge brings practical values:

• Optimized Maintenance: Instead of costly and difficult periodic manual inspections, the management unit can perform "Condition-based maintenance."
• Rapid Post-incident Response: Provides immediate quantitative data to decide on opening or closing the bridge after natural disasters or major traffic collisions.
• High Durability: GeoSIG equipment is designed to operate stably in harsh environments, ensuring the system's lifespan aligns with the bridge's lifespan

Conclusion

The presence of GeoSIG's monitoring system at Vam Cong Bridge is a testament to the application of high technology in infrastructure monitoring in Vietnam. More than just measuring equipment, GMSplus is a commitment to the safety of millions of commuters each year and the sustainability of an iconic structure.

For detailed information, please contact:

• Software and Technology Equipment Solution Center - CIC Technology and Consulting Joint Stock Company
• Headquarters: 4th Floor, VG Building, 235 Nguyen Trai, Khương Đình, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• HCM Branch: 36 Nguyen Huy Luong, Ward 14, Binh Thanh Dist, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Website: www.cic.com.vn
• Hotline: 0976 268 036 / 024 3974 1373