Noise Localization via Acoustic Emission Monitoring on a Rolling Leaf Bascule Bridge

Matthew P.  Kotowsky; David E. Kosnik; David Corr; David W. Prine

doi:https://doi.org/10.21985/N22J45

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Noise Localization via Acoustic Emission Monitoring on a Rolling Leaf Bascule Bridge

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Acoustic emission (AE) testing was used to identify the source of audible “bangs” generated during opening and closing of a large, double-leaf rolling-lift bascule bridge. The data were analyzed using a combination of well-established AE techniques, including first hit analysis (FHA), planar location analysis, and linear location analysis. The FHA results indicate that the audible noises originate along the interface between the bascule girder and the curved forging on which the leaf rolls during opening and closing. More specifically, planar location analysis strongly suggests that the bangs occur along this interface near the point of contact between the curved upper forging and the flat bottom forging as the bascule girder rolls along. Planar micro-location analysis at a single tested location specifically ruled out the bolts (both tapped and turned) that connect the bascule girder to the curved forging as the source of the AE activity. Rather, the AE events are distributed along the interface between the bascule girder and curved forging. Furthermore, first-hit and linear location analyses ruled out the pinion bearing, machinery strut, and flat bottom forging along which the bascule rolls during lifts as the source of the bangs.

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