The main objective of this investigation is to provide an alternative method for damage detection and assessment of bridge structures based on comparisons between Finite Element (FE) modelling/analysis and field data. The field data reported in this paper refers to the application of a non-destructive structural testing method (IBIS-S sensor system – displacement/movement detecting sensors with interferometric capabilities) and inspections by visualisation. The developed FE models presented in this study demonstrate certain degrees of reliability in terms of predicting mechanical behaviour of the bridge structure under investigation. The FE models were developed using the ANSYS software package. This investigation also provides a detailed report on application of the field survey that was carried out on a rather heavily used bridge located in Chatham, Kent, UK. The reported field data concerning the IBIS-S sensors correspond to subjecting the bridge to different static and dynamic loading conditions. The static and dynamic structural responses of the bridge were created by driving a lorry up and down the bridge. Then the same loading conditions were simulated using the developed FE model verifying the sensitivity of the model. This FE model was then used to study the response of the bridge to other loading conditions. It is believed that the proposed method could potentially be utilised in assessing bridge structures within the context of the health monitoring of structures.