1. Project Background

Can Tho Bridge is one of Vietnam’s most important cable-stayed bridges, serving as a major arterial connection between the Mekong Delta provinces and Ho Chi Minh City. After many years of operation, the automated structural monitoring system installed in 2012 has shown significant deterioration:

• Several vibration and wind sensors were severely damaged.

• The legacy industrial PC for data collection no longer ensured stable, continuous operation.

• Fiber-optic links, converters, HUBs, and electrical cabinets degraded, causing data transmission instability.

• Some monitoring software modules, particularly BDI modules and GNSS processing software, have become outdated and are no longer supported.

To ensure structural safety and restore 24/7 monitoring for displacement, vibration, and early warning functions, the Repair and Upgrade Project for the Can Tho Bridge Structural Monitoring System was launched.

The monitoring system at Km 2067+585 on National Highway 1 (Vinh Long Province – Can Tho City) includes structural and environmental sensors that track key parameters, such as displacement, stress, vibration, temperature, and wind intensity. This location on the Vinh Long approach is a crucial point where monitoring equipment is installed.

Can Tho Bridge

2. Project Objectives

• Restore 100% functionality of GNSS, accelerometer, and wind monitoring.

• Replace outdated hardware with new-generation industrial equipment.

• Standardize the fiber-optic network infrastructure to improve data transmission.

• Integrate the current GNSS software platform with a modern control and supervision system.

• Provide real-time connectivity to cloud servers, web interfaces, and remote alerting.

• Ensure stable, continuous operation that meets safety standards for special-class transportation structures.

3. Equipment Provided by ICOMTECK

3.1 Replacement of the Existing Computer with an Industrial Computer for Data Acquisition and Storage

Selected Device: NEXCOM NISE 3910E16

• Fanless industrial-grade computer designed for 24/7 operation

• Powered by new-generation Intel® Core™ processors for real-time data processing

• Industrial-grade memory and storage; anti-vibration, dustproof, suitable for tropical environments

• Multiple COM/LAN/USB ports for sensors, Leica Spider modules, and BDI integration

Role in the Monitoring System

• Collects data from accelerometers, weather sensors, and other devices

• Provides local storage and cloud/web data transmission

• Runs the newly developed monitoring software and BDI core modules

3.2 ADAM-4571-CE (Advantech) Signal Conversion Module

The ADAM-4571-CE module is used for wind sensor communication and for converting RS-485/Ethernet signals. As components aged and degraded, the project replaced:

• Signal acquisition and conversion modules

• Communication links between wind sensors and the industrial PC

This ensures stable, uninterrupted wind speed and direction data.

3.3 Upgrading Fiber-Optic Infrastructure and Network Equipment

Key Work Items

• Standardizing fiber-optic cables to SC–SC

• Replacing faulty switches with JetNet 4508f-s, suitable for bridge environments

• Ensuring stable communication between signal cabinets, sensor modules, and the main server

Conclusion

The repair and upgrade project for the Can Tho Bridge monitoring system has successfully restored system functionality while modernizing hardware, software, and network infrastructure. The system now operates with higher reliability, enhanced data quality, and better scalability for long-term structural health monitoring.

The new system delivers:

• 24/7 continuous operation

• Enhanced safety for a special-class national infrastructure

• Real-time monitoring of structural displacement and vibration

• Early detection of abnormalities with automated alerts

• Reduced maintenance cost through durable industrial-grade hardware

• Standardized data for structural lifespan assessment

This upgrade is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term safety and resilience of one of Vietnam’s most important transportation structures.