Tiltmeters and accelerometers are used to measure the response of the piers of the Confederation Bridge to ice and wind forces. The measured responses can then be used to assess both the behaviour of the bridge piers, as well as the actual forces applied to the piers. In order to calibrate the sensors, a full-scale load test was carried out using the Canadian Coast Guard Ship CCGS Terry Fox to apply a known load to one pier. The picture on the right is an aerial view of the Terry Fox pulling on the pier during the test.

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Part of the monitoring programme includes the observation of the ice behaviour against two piers using time-lapse video. The photograph (on the right) gives an example of the video obtained from the monitoring cameras.