Collaborative Research: Sensor Fusion for Comprehensive Health Monitoring of Complex Infrastructure Systems - An International Testbed Opportunity

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

This collaborative research project is focused upon the integration of five emerging sensor technologies that when fused into a structural health monitoring (SHM) system, have the potential to accurately identify structural distress. Deterioration of large infrastructure systems is a common, yet complex problem that requires innovative sensor technologies to address. At the local-scale, piezoelectric paint is proposed for passive acoustic emission sensing of fracture. In addition, piezoelectric ceramic elements will be explored for active ultrasonic inspection of steel elements prone to cracking. Elasto-magentic (EM) sensors to monitor dynamic stress in steel cables will be used. At the global-scale, "smart" wireless sensor networks will be adopted to monitor global system responses. Finally, a vision-based system using video cameras will measure structural displacements. To fundamentally address the challenging issues of formulation of a comprehensive SHM system, an international collaboration is formed with a leading team of SHM researchers from Korea, led by Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology. The international collaboration facilitates unfettered access to Korean highway bridges in which loading and structural conditions can be monitored and controlled. Education is an integral element of the proposed collaboration; US students will be trained in international research via student and educator exchanges between the US and Korea. Finally, a diverse group of students at all levels will be engaged including underrepresented graduate and undergraduate students as well as regional underprivileged K-12 students.