Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the condition of structural systems such as bridges and roadbeds. The systems include a magnetometer mounted on a structural element of the structural system; and a magnet mounted on a surface adjacent the structural element so that the magnetometer is positioned within a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnetometer measures characteristics of the magnetic field of the magnet. Position of the structural element is determined from measured characteristics of the magnetic field and a predetermined relationship between the characteristics of the magnetic field and the position of the structural element within the magnetic field. The position information determines other parameters, such as the deflection of the structural element in three-dimensional space, and the response of the structural element to dynamic loading.

Abstract: System and apparatus for monitoring a structural element includes a magnetometer capable of being mounted on the structural element, a magnet capable of being mounted on a surface adjacent the structural element so that the magnetometer is positioned within a magnetic field of the magnet; and a computing device capable of being communicatively coupled to the magnetometer, the magnetometer measuring characteristics of the magnetic field of the magnet, the computing device determining deflection of the structural element based on the measured characteristics of the magnetic field and a mathematical relationship between characteristics of the magnetic field and position of the magnetometer in relation to the magnet.