When the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (aka Penang Second Bridge) was built, the bridge did not come with a Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS). Recognizing the importance of the system, Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) approached us to equip the bridge with a monitoring system that could provide accurate measurement and analysis, monitoring both static and dynamic behaviors of the civil engineering structure.
One of the biggest challenges that came with the project was that since the bridge was already operational, conventional methods of implementation would not be a feasible option. Since the bridge was live, the plan was to allocate 24 weeks for traffic management, with each week dedicated to installing the system on a 1 km stretch of the bridge. This would have amassed significant costs and potential inconvenience to the users. There were also weather uncertainties which could pose further complications in our execution.
Thus, we came up with an innovative execution strategy that would allow us to implement the system without disrupting the daily operations of the bridge. To do this, we collaborated closely with JKSB’s appointed SHMS vendor from Korea to install the system. Instead of working on the bridge itself, our solution involved pulling fibers and installing sensors along the tunnel below the bridge using boats, omitting the need for JKSB to stop their operations.
Our solution proved to be a success as we managed to shorten the overall project duration by 40%. Despite the challenging work conditions, we managed to execute the project with zero traffic interruptions, safety issues, as well as helping the client save a significant amount of cost.
With close collaboration with the Marine Police Force, Royal Malaysia Police (MPF RMP), we were able to work in safe conditions. We completed the infrastructure building in around three months, allowing us ample time to further test and fine-tune the system. Even though the SHMS is not widely utilized in Malaysia due to low seismic activity, we were extremely passionate and committed to learn and execute the project.
As a result, the second bridge now has two big monitors controlling the sensors, with an accuracy of around 99.6% that can be detected from far away. This RM 4 million project showcases our passion and dedication to providing innovative and meticulous infrastructure solutions, even in challenging conditions.
