Project Overview

This corrugated steel arch culvert is the first application of the “Ultra-Cor” profile developed by Atlantic Industries Limited (AIL). With its deep corrugations, the Ultra-Cor profile can span up to 30 metres. This arch was constructed as an underpass for local traffic after the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway near Corner Brook, NL in 2011.

In order to assess the effectiveness of the innovative Ultra-Cor profile, SHM Canada was selected to design, install, and operate an instrumented monitoring system on the culvert. This system, which comprised strain gauges and temperature sensors connected to a cellular modem, was monitored continuously. Data was retrieved by SHM staff on a daily basis, checked for consistency, and forwarded to the client.

Design, installation, and operation of a customized Structural Health Monitoring system for an Ultra-Cor arch culvert.

Due to the lack of electrical power lines, the monitoring system was powered by a lead-acid battery charged by a solar panel. To prevent the acid in the battery from freezing during harsh Newfoundland winter, a unique battery protection system was developed and successfully implemented. As a result of the robust system design, attention to detail, and continual follow-up by SHM Canada engineers, data was collected with no losses during the 18-month period between installation and decommissioning.