Functional Composite-Based Wireless Sensing Platform for Bridge Structures

This project aims to develop a functional composite material based wireless sensing platform. The developed platform is able to detect and monitor both chemical and physical conditions of the structures such as corrosion and cracking. These detection and monitoring data will be transmitted through a compact wireless unit to engineers, who will make corresponding management decisions.

"The specific implementation will include the two field-deployments of the sensing system. The PI and research team will closely work with MoDOT engineers to identify the targeted bridge for the sensor installation and preliminary data collection. After the initial deployment, the PI and research team will modify and improve the developed sensing system to adapt the required sensing environment and conditions. After such improvement, the PI and research team will work with MoDOT engineers to conduct the second field deployment to validate the improved sensing platform. The tested sensing system will be expected to conduct long-term monitoring (at least 3 months) to examine the adaptability of the system with the weathering conditions on-site. The collected data will be utilized for further improvement of the system. The PI will also work closely with MoDOT engineers to develop the required guide lines and instruction manuals for daily operation, maintainanence, and data storage.

The proposed research will significant benefit the safety of the aging infrastructure. The highly accurate detecting units can provide live information about the safety state of the bridge structures that can have impact on millions of lives passing through. The wireless transmitting system will allow the engineers to monitor the structure through portable electronic devices such as smartphones or tablet, which can also facilitate the management of numerous structures simultaneously. Due to the limited size, the developed system requires low power, low cost, and can be easily installed to structures with complex surface geometries. This will significantly reduce the associated cost for installation and maintenance in long-term.

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