Temperature distribution in different bridges types based on data from SHM systems

Monitoring systems have given the possibility of varied and long-term observation of bridge structures. The paper prestents the analysis of temperature impact on various bridge elements. The data comes from three different large bridges in Poland, equipped with extensive monitoring systems, namely from an arch bridge in Puławy (built in 2008), cable-stayed bridge in Płock (built in 2005) and the cable-stayed bridge in Wrocław (built in 2011). After few years of observation an enormous and valuable database of measured parameters was stored. The analysis shows how temperature changes between individual bridge components (e.g. between decks, pylon and stay cables) affect the structure mechanical behaviour and whether the influence fulfil the standards’ recommendations. Due to various static schemes and materials used in the described bridges, individual and non-typical impact of thermal loads is expected.