Gill 2-axis and 3-axis anemometers provide vital wind measurement on Bridges

Bridges can be vulnerable to extreme wind conditions, therefore the constant monitoring of bridges is vital for both structural integrity and the safety of bridge users. In some cases, due to the distance above the ground and the height and design of the structure, 3 dimensional wind measurements are required to better understand wind loading as well as strain from gusting conditions.

Gill Bridge anemometersTo provide this crucial measurement data, Gill 2-axis and 3-axis ultrasonic anemometers have been installed in bridge applications around the world for over 20 years.

In applications where basic wind measurements are required such as transport safety, Gill’s WindSonic and WindObserver sensors are commonly used to alert bridge management to restrict high-sided or vulnerable vehicles crossing, or in severe conditions, to completely close access to the bridge. Gill WindSonic and WindObserver ultrasonic anemometers are often selected because they provide instantaneous measurement responses to changing wind conditions. Installations of this nature can be seen in bridges across the world. Some located in the USA are:

  • Florida State Transport Authority
  • Niantic River Amtrak Train Bridge (Connecticut)
  • Fore River Bridge (Massachusetts)
  • Tobin Bridge (Boston)

Millennium bridge anemometer 3 dimensional wind measurements are crucial for complex terrain and where local meteorological effects from specific wind vectors could impact structural safety. Gill 3-axis ultrasonic anemometers, such as the WindMaster and Research ranges, provide extremely precise, fine scale, fast (10-50 Hz) vectorial 3 dimensional measurements. When utilised together with strain gauges, the data helps determine high Reynolds numbers and stress values, which are useful for onsite safety condition monitoring.

Gill 3-axis ultrasonic anemometers provide data on some of the Worlds’ iconic bridges including:

  • The Millennium Bridge , London
  • The Severn Bridge motorway crossing, Wales
  • The Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong
  • The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol
  • Millau Viaduct in Creissels, France

For more information on the use of Gill anemometers for bridge applications visit the application page here, or contact 01590 613500.

Gill’s anemometers play a key role in wind monitoring on Hong Kong landmark structure

gill-instruments-bridge-anemometersLocated in one of the most active typhoon prone regions in the world, the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong is the longest  dual-deck suspension bridge in the world. Carrying both road and rail traffic, with a central span of 1,377 metres, Tsing Ma is one of three principal structures linking the airport to central Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Gill’s ultrasonic anemometers are positioned in the middle of the main span of the bridge on both north and south sides of the deck on 8.96metre long booms. These anemometers help provide the Highways Department with continuous wind data to ensure road and rail user safety, by assessing the physical and structural conditions of the suspension bridge, particularly during extreme weather events.

Because of their success and long-term, maintenance-free reliability in these applications, Gill’s three axis anemometers have also been installed on the Hong Kong – Shenzhen Western Corridor – linking the New Territories to the Chinese mainland and Gill’s MetPak weather stations have been installed in many prestigious buildings, such as the luxury Peninsula Hotel and the IFC Tower.

Learn more about wind speed measurement on bridges