With today’s IoT, the communication technology has gradually come to age and regulation has become more efficient. Similar solutions are often seen in many bridge members in Shanghai and Wuhan. By embedding several sensors in a bridge, for example, those for monitoring bridge displacement, in combination with wireless communication technology, data about the bridge status can be timely transmitted to a platform for central processing. Upon any risk, an alarm is automatically sent to alert related parties for quick repairs to prevent accidents. Working with Jiangsu Zhonglan Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., SIMCom has launched sensors for monitoring bridge displacement equipped with LPWA and 3G and 4G communication modules, for real-time monitoring of bridges. Different types of sensing equipment are embedding in a bridge, a data acquisition node/gateway and a real-time monitoring platform are established, the monitoring data are collected by SIM7020G, a communication module based on the low-power wide area network, and then transmitted to the acquisition node. SIM7600CE, a 4G module, transmits the data to the platform layer for storage, processing and analysis. Quick response is thus made possible based on the analysis results.

SIM7020G is an NB-IoT wireless communication module that operates on multiple frequency bands. It is packaged in a 42 PIN LCC offering various hardware interfaces and high scalability, which greatly facilitates product development. Compared with GSM,SIM7020G has more gain and a wider coverage, making wireless communication possible in locations like a basement. The module is durable thanks to PSM and eDRX lower-power mode.SIM7020G hasbeen certified by ATEX and supports both NB1 and NB2. The sensors for monitoring bridge displacement withSIM7020G orSIM7080G can monitor the bridge status in real time and check whether the cushion works well by means of vibration frequency. The data are transmitted by the module to the acquisition node and further to the platform for storage and analysis. An alarm will be generated when the results of data processing exceed the pre-set threshold. Any potential hazard will be immediately reported to relevant personnel for repair. Through the data analysis, estimations on bridge tolerance and service life may also be obtained. For example, repairing ordemolishing may be required when the ultimate bearing capacity of a bridge is severed impaired. Automatic monitoring by the module can also reduce labor input, reduce costs and improve monitoring accuracy. 

We should always be alert to risks concerning people safety. We hope occurrence of safety accidents will be minimized as technology develops.SIMCom will continuously develop our capabilities and contribute to safeguarding people’s life.