Project Number:
09-13
Research Project:
Fiber-Optic Smart Structures for Monitoring and Managing the Health of Transportation Infrastructures
P.I. Name & Address:
Chin Chang
California State University at Long Beach
Department of Electrical Engineering
Long Beach, CA 90840
Email: clchang@csulb.edu
Website: http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/coe/ee/views/personnel/fulltime_emeritus/chang.shtml
Phone: (562) 985-5150
Fax: (562) 985-5899
Project Objective:
The objective of the research project focuses on smart structures using fiber-optic sensor technology for monitoring the structural health and integrity of transportation infrastructures. Real-time, computer automated monitoring of the health of bridges and overpasses are essential to the safety of the general public living in major metropolitan areas. The proposed research project will investigate the feasibility and economics of the fiber-optic smart structure for Transportation Infrastructural Health Monitoring (TIHM). There are many potential advantages of using the fiber-optic smart structure for TIHM. In addition to its function as a nondestructive evaluation, it offers the ability to reconsider the enhanced design and full safety management of the structure. Moreover, a central monitoring and evaluation system may be implemented utilizing the existing wide area network. Thus the long-term, in-service aging of the structure can be effectively monitored and evaluated. Finally, any acute damage from earthquakes, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks may be observed and assessed immediately for necessary post-disaster actions.
Task Descriptions
The focus of the proposed research project is on the feasibility study of the proposed solution for monitoring and managing the health of transportation infrastructures. The project is composed of nine tasks described as follows:
1. Research and evaluate various fiber-optic sensors (2 months)
2. Develop multiplexing technique and networking algorithm for fiber-optic sensor networks (3 months)
3. Complete performance analysis for proposed conceptual TIHM systems (2 months)
4. Perform computer simulation for a proposed TIHM system (3 months)
5. Interview subject matter experts to obtain relevant field information (2 months)
6. Gather hardware and material budgetary quotation for first-run cost estimate (2 months)
7. Establish a matrix containing alternative technologies for performance and cost comparison (1 month)
8.Prepare a draft of the final report to be submitted to METRANS (1 month)
Complete and submit final report to METRANS (1 month)
Milestones, Dates:
August 15, 2008 – September 14, 2009
Total Budget:
$35,000
Student Involvement:
One graduate student at 420 hours
One graduate student at 200 hours
Two graduate students at 500 hours each
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Related to 07-24; part of the safety, security, and vulnerability focus area
Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report will be posted soon
Potential Benefits of the Project:
The proposed fiber-optic smart structure for the transportation infrastructure may greatly improve public safety with significant maintenance cost reduction.
TRB Keywords:
Transportation infrastructural health monitoring, fiber-optic smart structure, safety
