United States Department of Transportation
ROSA P serves as an archival repository of USDOT-published products including scientific findings, journal articles, guidelines, recommendations, or other information authored or co-authored by USDOT or funded partners.
As a repository, ROSA P retains documents in their original published format to ensure public access to scientific information.
i
Low cost structural health monitoring of bridges using wireless SenSpot sensors.
-
2012-05-01
[PDF-1.25 MB]
Details:
-
Alternative Title:Low cost structural health monitoring of bridges using wireless sensors
-
Creators:
-
Corporate Creators:
-
Corporate Contributors:
-
Subject/TRT Terms:
-
Publication/ Report Number:
-
Resource Type:
-
Geographical Coverage:
-
Edition:Final report.
-
Corporate Publisher:
-
Abstract:Deterioration of highway bridges is a common, yet complex problem. To protect highway bridges, this
project combines a number of recent and emerging technologies – microstructured sensing, ultra-lowpower
wireless communication, and advanced microelectronics – into a novel, small, and lightweight
wireless device known as SenSpot. SenSpot sensors are based on Active RF Technology (ART), which
offers a high performance method for large-scale sensing, wireless synchronization, and ultra low power
wireless communication. To evaluate ART technology, the project investigators studied laboratory and
field performance of SenSpot sensors. In particular, research was conducted to study performance of
SenSpot sensors in accurate measurement of strain and tilt (inclination). Laboratory experiments showed
that although SenSpot sensors operate under extremely tight energy constrains and consume less that 4
microwatts of power, the devices provide a very accurate measurement of strain and tilt. Moreover, field
performance of SenSpot sensors installed on a bridge on I-495 was closely analyzed. They study showed
that SenSpot sensors used to measure tilt on the bridge bearings provide a consistent readout with the
expected change in the orientation of the bearings as a result of thermal expansion/contraction of the bridge
deck; hence, SenSpot sensors provide a reliable remote monitoring tool to detect instances where bridge
bearings could possibly freeze or overturn. Additionally, SenSpot sensors that were used for strain
measurement showed that the device can detect instances when loading conditions of a bridge change or a
structural change in the bridge happens.
-
Format:
-
Funding:
-
Collection(s):
-
Main Document Checksum:
-
Download URL:
-
File Type:
