"Innovator" Newsletter
June 2000
CONTENTS
Conference
2000
Annual
Conference Teeming with New Technology
Student Awards
Presentations
Appointments
& Awards
Sami
Rizkalla Accepts New Challenge
Aftab Mufti Appointed President
Kenneth Neale Appointed Vice-President
Chairman Receives Top Honours
CEO Awarded Honorary Doctorate
In
the News
NOVA
Award for Steel-Free Concrete Bridge Deck
Rizkalla Receives A.B. Sanderson Award
Contract Awarded for ISIS Design
Harbour Officially Opened
Conference 2000
Annual Conference Teeming with New Technology
This year's conference, held in Montréal,
Québec, was characterized by an energizing mix of ideas and discussion as industry
partners were teamed with Project Leaders and students in presenting the latest
development in ISIS technologies.
NCE Director Opens Conference
Jean-Claude Gavrel, Director of the Networks of Centres of Excellence,
was welcomed by ISIS Chairman, Don Whitmore. Mr. Gavrel set the tone for the three days by
giving an overview of the NCE program and the value it places on leading edge,
interdisciplinary Canadian research, the development of highly qualified personnel, and
the importance of technology transfer. Prior to joining the NCE in January 2000, Mr.
Gavrel worked for CATAAlliance (the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance) and was on
executive loan to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit Program
of the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency.
International Delegates
As evidence of ISIS Canada's growing involvement in international
collaborations, the number of delegates from outside Canada increased significantly over
last year. Countries such as France, Iran and Hong Kong were represented as were a number
of American states.
Industry Partners Present
An invitation was extended to industry partners to share their ISIS
field demonstration project experiences which provided valuable feedback and endorsement
of ISIS research. Infrastructure owners and consulting engineers shared their vision for
transferring ISIS technologies which consisted primarily of building infrastructure with a
longer service life, prolonging the life span of current structures, and conducting
practical solution-oriented research to attain these objectives.
For design engineers such as Dave Scouten
of Scouten and Associates (John Hart Bridge, Prince George, BC) the emerging technologies
present opportunities peppered with challenges such as equitable comparisons of the
various composite materials available, dealing with consulting liabilities, and
communicating design objectives to the client. Doug Stewart of Wardrop Engineering Inc.
(FRP Bridge Deck, Winnipeg, MB) indicated that the company's International Division has
identified many applications for the technology in third world countries, especially in
rehabilitation.
Delegates Tour Sherbrooke Labs
Forty people participated in the post-conference tour of the research
facilities at the Université de Sherbrooke. All ISIS research on structural
rehabilitation is coordinated out of the Université de Sherbrooke. Innovative new
structures such as the underground water chambers used by Hydro Québec have also been
developed in Sherbrooke.
Design Manuals Unveiled
Delegates received limited editions of the ISIS Canada draft design
manuals which cover: Installation, Use and Repair of Fibre Optic Sensors; Guidelines for
Structural Health Monitoring; Reinforcing Concrete Structures with Fibre Reinforced
Polymers; and Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Structures with Externally Bonded Fibre
Reinforced Polymers. Feedback is being solicited from industry and government on the
content of the manuals as part of a peer review process. The final editions are scheduled
for release in March 2001.
Several times throughout the conference, researchers and industry partners made a point of saying that future widespread use of ISIS technologies is in the hands of the students. They are ISIS Canada's best way of achieving its mandate. As such, it is important to provide opportunities for students to participate in Network activities so that they gain a sense of ownership. In return for stellar work, students at all levels are encouraged to compete for financial rewards. ISIS Canada's most prestigious awards are the two $5,000 scholarships offered annually to a female and/or aboriginal who exemplifies engineering excellence.
$5,000 Scholarships
Nadine Ibrahim, University of Toronto
Kellie Brown, University of New Brunswick.
Presentations
Best Presentation:
Amir Fam, University of Manitoba
Distinguished Presentation:
Anastasis Georgiades, Dalhousie University
Honourable Presentation:
Christine Lacasse, Université de Sherbrooke
Poster Competition
Best Poster:
Patrice Pouliot, Université de Sherbrooke
Thesis Advisors, Dr. Kenneth Neale and Dr. Pierre Labossière
Distinguished Posters:
Raafat El-Hacha, Queen's University
Thesis Advisors, Dr. Mark Green and Dr. Gordon Wight
Karen Callery, Queen's University
Thesis Advisor, Dr. Mark Green
Honourable Poster:
Isabelle Lord, Université de Sherbrooke
Thesis Advisor, Dr. Brahim Benmokrane
ISIS Research Deals with Earthquake Conditions
A better understanding of how structures behave during
earthquakes, from the perspective of both load and resistance, has resulted in improved
codes and underscored the need to strengthen existing structures. From a study of recent
earthquakes it was observed that column failure was the major cause of collapse in a large
percentage of structures. The objective of one of ISIS Canada's research projects is to
investigate the short and long-term behaviour of FRP-reinforced structures under a variety
of conditions. The research focuses on performance of FRP-retrofitted concrete columns
under earthquake type loads. New and innovative techniques are being developed and tested
to enhance the seismic resistance of structures. Based on the experimental and analytical
research, rational design procedures for retrofitting with FRP are being developed.
A second research project on seismic rehabilitation is focusing on
beam-column joints. The shear failure of beam-column joints and bond slippage of beam
reinforcement have been observed in many recent earthquakes and normally result in
catastrophic failure of the structure. By eliminating these types of brittle failures, the
structure is given the opportunity to survive because of its ductile resilience.
Analytical and experimental studies have shown that it is possible to rehabilitate the
beam-column joint region using steel jackets to upgrade their shear resistance. FRPs are
an excellent alternative to steel jackets in that they are lighter, stronger, and
corrosion resistant, thus providing a superior solution for eliminating brittle shear
failure in joints.
Guest Speaker Outlines Earthquake Engineering Issues
Dr. Mehmet Çelebi, a Senior Research Engineer with the Earthquake
Hazards Team of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), spoke to conference delegates
as a USGS Project Task Leader conducting research that employs structural health
monitoring technologies to measure responses to earthquakes. Dr. Çelebi's presentation
was especially timely given ISIS Canada's two research projects on rehabilitation for
earthquake damaged structures.
Sprayed FRPs to Strengthen Channel Beam Bridges
Like all other provinces, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways
of British Columbia is faced with deficient infrastructure requiring immediate repair and
strengthening. The Province is working with ISIS researchers on developing cost effective
and durable repair strategies - specifically, using sprayed fibre-reinforced polymers.
Last summer, when the Neil Bridge was replaced, eight of the old stringers were turned
over to the ISIS researchers at the University of British Columbia to demonstrate the
effectiveness of sprayed FRPs in strengthening full-scale channel beams. Once the tests
are completed, the techniques will be applied to actual bridges in British Columbia as
field demonstration projects. Eventually, it is expected this innovative repair technique
will become common practice.
Robotics Improve Filament Winding for Poles and
Vessels
Canzeal Enterprises of Yellowknife, NWT is working with ISIS personnel
at the University of Manitoba on developing a vacuum assisted resin injection (VARI)
technology for fabricating glass fibre-reinforced polymer poles for transmission and
distribution of electricity. ISIS has been contracted to draft guidelines for the
fabrication, design, and erection of GFRP poles which will meet industry standards for
both strength and serviceability. The research and development is being carried out at the
University of Manitoba.
The VARI method provides clear advantages over the traditional wet filament winding. It eliminates styrene emissions, increases the glass resin ratio, thus improving the structural properties of the poles, and minimizes the amount of resin used. A prototype winder, built by Canzeal, has been installed at the University of Manitoba. This prototype will allow researchers to optimize the geometry of the poles, the layout of the materials, the resin content, and the fabrication process.
A direct Internet link has been established between the University of Manitoba and the Canzeal facility in Yellowknife so that Canzeal operators and ISIS researchers can control the winder and test its performance. High-speed audio-video linkage is currently being installed to allow live interaction between the two facilities. An important component of the ISIS research is the incorporation of fibre optics into the poles during fabrication, which can be used for monitoring purposes.
Data Archives on Web Site
Several bridge structures in Canada have been instrumented and are now
being monitored with data being collected at varying frequencies. Archival management is a
vital component of structural monitoring. Soon, ISIS will have an online archiving system
whereby authorized researchers submit raw data that will be accessible to users. In a
user-friendly, worldwide web interface, the site will offer access to sensor
characteristics and locations, and response measurements from static and dynamic load
tests. The archive will enable interested parties to browse the content, view the relevant
documentation and download data for their own analysis.
Concrete-Filled Tubes up to 250% Stronger
ISIS Canada research conducted at the University of Manitoba indicates
that concrete-filled tubes where the pultruded glass FRP acts as formwork and
reinforcement are up to 250% stronger than steel-reinforced concrete members. Filament
wound, glass FRP tubes were almost as strong but performed better overall when tested to
failure.
These tubes can be used for overhead highway signs, street lighting, piers and wharfs. The technique is especially appealing because construction is simple and fast. In addition, when the tubes are filled with expansive concrete, strength and ductility are greatly improved over the conventional steel-reinforced concrete members.
Appointments and Awards
Sami Rizkalla Accepts New
Challenge
Commencing September 1, 2000, Dr. Sami Rizkalla will take up the
position of Distinguished Chair, Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction at North
Carolina State University and will relinquish his leadership of ISIS Canada. However, he
will continue to serve ISIS Canada in the capacity of Past-President until the Network
completes its seven-year funding phase in 2002. In addition, he will continue to direct
ISIS Canada research activities at the University of Manitoba until the current projects
are completed.
At the Annual General Meeting of ISIS Canada in Montreal on May 5, 2000, Chairman Donald Whitmore thanked Dr. Rizkalla for the enormous contribution he has made to the Network and the advancement of new technologies, and wished him well in his new role.
As President of the Network since its December 1995 launch, Dr. Rizkalla has led Canadian research scientists to the forefront of structural health monitoring and fibre-reinforced polymer applications in civil engineering. With the need for extensive infrastructure renewal around the world, Canada is now recognized as a leading edge contributor of solutions for global infrastructure problems.
Aftab Mufti Appointed
President
The ISIS Canada Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Aftab Mufti as
President and Program Leader commencing September 1, 2000. Dr. Mufti is a Professor of
Civil Engineering at Dalhousie University, Director of the Nova Scotia CAD/CAM Centre,
Vice-President of ISIS Canada, and Director of the ISIS Canada research theme on
structural health monitoring. Dr. Mufti was one of the key people to initiate interest in
the use of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) through his founding work as Chair (1989-1993)
of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Technical Committee on the use of Advanced
Composite Materials in Bridges and Structures. In recognition of Dr. Mufti's outstanding
achievements and leadership, he was recently elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of
Engineering.
Kenneth Neale Appointed
Vice-President
The Board has also appointed Dr. Kenneth Neale as Vice-President of
ISIS Canada. As a professor of Civil Engineering at the Université de Sherbrooke, he
directs the ISIS research theme on structural rehabilitation. During the past year, Dr.
Neale conducted CSCE sponsored lectures in major cities across Canada. With more than 40
percent of Canada's bridges being over 30-years-old and in urgent need of replacement or
rehabilitation, Dr. Neale has worked extensively with industry and infrastructure owners
on a wide variety of award winning field applications.
Board Member Elected
Dr. Mark Green, Queen's University, was elected by the Network to
represent the scientific community on the Board of Directors for a three-year term. Dr.
Green leads the ISIS Canada research project titled FRP Wraps for Cold Region
Applications.
Chairman Receives Top Honours
Mr. Don Whitmore, Chairman of ISIS Canada and President of Vector
Construction Group, has been honoured as the first recipient of the Heavy Construction
News Award of Excellence. The award is to be presented annually by Canada's Heavy
Construction News magazine and The Road Builders & Heavy Construction Council of the
Canadian Construction Association. The award is given to an individual who has been chosen
by his peers for professional contributions and overall devotion to the entire industry.
CEO Awarded Honourary
Doctorate
At the University of Manitoba's May 2000 convocation, Mr. Lloyd
McGinnis, CEO of ISIS Canada, was recognized with the University's highest honour,
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa). Dr. McGinnis served as a member of
the Prime Minister's National Advisory Board on Science and Technology where the concept
of the Networks of Centres of Excellence program evolved. After helping launch the ISIS
Canada Network, Dr. McGinnis served as the founding Chair of its Board of Directors and is
presently the Chief Executive Officer.
In the News
NOVA Award for Steel-Free
Concrete Bridge Deck
ISIS Canada Vice-President, Dr. Aftab Mufti and fellow inventors were
awarded the prestigious international NOVA Award for the Steel-Free Bridge Deck. The
international award is given annually by the Construction Innovation Forum (CIF) based in
Ann Arbour, Michigan. Inventors, Dr. Aftab A. Mufti, P.Eng., Dr. Baidar Bakht, P.Eng. and
Dr. Leslie G. Jaeger, P.Eng., accepted the unique bronze statue at a recent gala awards
banquet in Livonia, Michigan, attended by over 600 construction and engineering
executives. Unable to be present were co-inventors, Dr. Gamil Tadros, P.Eng. and Mr.
Ralston MacDonnell, P.Eng.
The unique feature of this bridge deck technology is that it does not contain any steel rebar, once believed to be essential in all highway bridge concrete structures. The inventors discovered that if they welded a series of steel straps to the tops of adjacent girders, then built formwork in the shape of a shallow arch, such that the steel straps are left in view, the resulting structure would not only resist corrosion, but would be twice as strong. Chopped polyethylene fibres are added to the concrete for crack control and to provide additional flexure of the structure. The inventors have made excellent use of the arching theory and advanced materials in innovative design.
In 1996, Mr. Don Whitmore, Chairman of
ISIS Canada and President of Vector Construction Group, also received the NOVA Award.
Rizkalla Receives A.B. Sanderson Award
Dr. Sami Rizkalla received the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering's
A.B. Sanderson Award for outstanding contributions to the development and practice of
civil engineering in Canada. A medal was presented to Dr. Rizkalla June 9, 2000 in London,
Ontario, by CSCE President, Mr. George Archer at the CSCE annual conference.
Contract Awarded for
ISIS Design
Atomic Energy of Canada has chosen SOESCA inc. of
Bromptonville, Québec, from a select group of three companies, to strengthen the
reinforced concrete dome of the nuclear reactor, Gentilly-I. Through the Université de
Sherbrooke, ISIS Canada initiated the concept for repairing the immense circular beam
located 46 metres high and having a circumference of 129 metres.
To ensure the long-term durability of the repair scheme, the renovation technique includes the use of fibre-reinforced polymer sheets bonded to the repaired surface of the ring beam in an innovative configuration designed by ISIS Canada.
To monitor the integrity of the repairs
and long term response of the ring beam, ISIS Canada's fibre optic sensor group is
installing 10 of their new long gauge sensors which measure deformations of the beam with
sensors varying in length from 1 to 27 metres. Traditional fibre Bragg grating sensors
will also be installed.
Harbour Offically Opened
Hall's Harbour Wharf, Nova Scotia was officially opened May 12, 2000 by
Senator Bernie Boudreau and MLA Mark Parent, along with other funding partners and
consortia representatives. The Wharf is the first marine structure to incorporate ISIS
Canada's fibre optic monitoring technology embedded in glass rods (a newly patented
Canadian technology) as well as FRP reinforcements.