THEME 4 PROJECTS

Theme 4: Technology Transfer and Utilization

Director: Dr. Lloyd R. McGinnis, University of Manitoba

THEME 4 OVERVIEW

Life Cycle Engineering and Cost Models (F4.1.1)

Project Leader: Dr. Gordon Sparks, University of Saskatchewan

The objective is to build on past efforts and develop a practical tool for Life Cycle Cost prediction that is pertinent to civil infrastructure design, renewal and ongoing management. This research includes formally linking life cycle performance and costing forecasts and developing and implementing means of valuing relevant SHM technologies. It also includes development of bridge management system methods and tools applicable to structural components. The management implications of SHM on vibration based damage detection systems will also be explored. Case studies will be published and technology transfer models developed for ISIS workshops.

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LCE&C Technology Transfer (F4.1.2)

The objective of this project is to use the recently developed Life Cycle Cost prediction models as a means of transferring ISIS technology to the user sector through cross-country workshops. These workshops will be meshed with those planned for the updated ISIS design manuals. Development of the workshop materials will include liaising with key personnel in bridge design offices throughout Canada to determine the most appropriate approach for transferring the technology in their area. Pre-feasibility and case studies will be carried out to convey real life course material for the workshops. Opportunities will be provided for owners of infrastructure to have access to the LCC study team for two and three day customized training sessions on using LCC prediction models. It is anticipated that throughout this process, the merit of using FRPs instead of conventional steel bars for reinforcement will become evident. The project budget will be used for studies and preparation of workshop and educational materials only. ISIS headquarters will pay all costs associated with the cross-country workshops.

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Education Module Development (F4.1.3)

Project Leader: Dr. Luke Bisby, Queen's University

The ISIS Canada Education Committee has developed a series of targeted Educational Modules to be used in engineering education curricula by any interested parties.  ISIS’ goal in producing these modules is to enable and encourage the teaching of ISIS technologies in educational curricula where these technologies are not currently covered.  The modules have been developed to allow seamless integration into various existing courses with 3 or 4-lecture units on FRP and SHM technologies.  The target typical civil engineering undergraduate courses include:

• Mechanics of Materials
• Civil Engineering Materials
• Reinforced Concrete Design
• Infrastructure Rehabilitation

ISIS has endeavored to make the Educational Modules as easy to use as possible, and as such course notes, lecture slides, handouts, solved example problems, and suggested assignments and laboratories are provided.

Educational modules have been developed (or are currently under development) to cover the full suite of ISIS technologies. Ten modules are currently planned, and the first five are these are available for download:

• Mechanics Examples Incorporating FRP Materials
• An Introduction to FRP Composites for Construction
• An Introduction to FRP Reinforcement for Concrete
• An Introduction to FRP Strengthening of Concrete Structures
• An Introduction to Structural Health Monitoring
• Application & Handling of FRPs
• Life Cycle Engineering & Costing
• An Introduction to Prestressing with FRPs
• Durability of FRPs for Construction
• Compendium of FRP and SHM Case Studies

More information on Education Modules

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SHM Network Support Centre (F4.1.4)

Project Leader: Dr. Aftab Mufti, University of Manitoba

The centre’s primary goal is to evolve as a National Centre of expertise for providing technical support for SHM and Civionics technologies to field projects across Canada and help building regional centres in collaboration with the Network members. The following items identify the centre’s current goals, in general terms: Promote the use of SHM systems in new and rehabilitated civil infrastructures; Provide technical support on the design, installation and operations of SHM systems and equipment; Support for data acquisition, transfer and management of data; Maintain live data sites, manage the SHM data from the field projects such that the Network members can access and use it for monitoring and research purposes; Develop techniques for efficient data collection, maintenance, presentation and archival; Support for integrating SHM systems to the Internet for remote monitoring; Provide field training, site visits and develop training and design manuals of SHM systems and Civionics; Interact with industry, evaluate and validate SHM equipment and sensors under various field and laboratory environments; Engage the industry partners in the development of SHM systems and equipment compatible with ISIS Canada’s guidelines and specifications; Build laboratory demonstration facilities to understand and teach SHM technologies and systems; Maintain a supply of equipment for use by Network members; Keep an eye on new and emerging technologies for SHM systems and identify the practical ones.

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