Key Research Accomplishments

Theme 4 (2002-2005):
Technology Transfer and Utilization

Focus Area 4.1: Research Pertaining to Technology Utilization

Life Cycle Cost Prediction Models (4.1.1)
Project Leader: Dr. Gordon Sparks, University of Saskatchewan

2002-03

We have undertaken and summarized a comprehensive literature search on life cycle costing methods generally with specific reference to the application of life cycle costing methods to bridges and in particular, the economics and risks associated with the use of innovative technologies like FRP’s. Summary of Findings Deterministic life cycle costing methods exist and are well documented. There have been some initial attempts at quantifying risks within the context of life cycle costing using probabilistic life cycle costing methods. The merits of using life cycle costing methods as a tool to assist rational decision making and the efficient allocation of scarce financial resources is widely recognized and endorsed by policy makers. In some jurisdictions, legislation exists requiring the use of life cycle costing methods to justify financial decisions. Credible/State-of-the-Art life cycle costing methods do not appear to be widely used by those making day-to-day decisions related to infrastructure design, maintenance and rehabilitation decisions. Reasons for this are not exactly clear at this time but potentially relate to the general view that detailed “hard” engineering data quantifying the life cycle performance of each alternative under consideration is required before any life cycle costing can be undertaken. This issue is often phased as follows – how can you do life cycle costing if you haven’t observed a full life cycle? Life cycle costing methods described in current literature and software tools available do not, for the most part, use “State-of-the-Art” methods. They do not include State-of-the-Art sensitivity analysis capabilities nor do they include a comprehensive capability to explicitly quantify and analyze risks.

2003-04

Since publishing a review of pertinent literature and related investigations of ISIS demonstration projects, the research program has focused on developing a credible life cycle costing method for evaluating the benefits of ISIS technologies. The result is a life cycle engineering and costing (LCE&C) method that suggests the rational use of life cycle costing criteria within the engineering design process itself. Combining the insights of engineering design, economics and decision theory, the advocated method has important implications for the evaluation of innovative technologies relevant to complex infrastructure systems.

The LCE&C method developed is being leveraged in many ways. First, it forms the basis for a seminar in life cycle costing to promote rational evaluation of engineering design options involving both conventional and innovative technologies. Since rational evaluation often promotes innovative solutions, this can only help ISIS Canada’s technology transfer initiative. Second, elucidation and demonstration of the advocated method is already finding its way into published literature. Currently, a summary of relevant theory will be presented at the upcoming ACMBS conference in Calgary (July, 2004). In the coming months, a more complete discussion will be included in both a technical working paper and subsequent publication in a reputable journal. Third, the method is currently being employed to practical case studies involving ISIS technologies (e.g., the Hudson Bay Bridge and South Perimeter bridge projects, respectively). Our involvement in these case studies will help us develop practical tools that promote the rational evaluation of infrastructure design and on-going management options considering both conventional and innovative technologies.

2004-05

Since publishing a review of pertinent literature and related investigations of ISIS demonstration projects, the research program has focused on developing a credible life cycle costing method for evaluating the benefits of ISIS technologies. The result is a life cycle engineering and costing (LCE&C) method that suggests the rational use of life cycle costing criteria within the engineering design process itself. Combining the insights of engineering design, economics and decision theory, the advocated method has important implications for the evaluation of innovative technologies relevant to complex infrastructure systems.

The LCE&C method developed is being leveraged in many ways. First, it forms the basis for a seminar in life cycle costing to promote rational evaluation of engineering design options involving both conventional and innovative technologies. Since rational evaluation often promotes innovative solutions, this can only help ISIS Canada’s technology transfer initiative. Second, elucidation and demonstration of the advocated method is now in published literature. A summary of relevant theory was presented at the ACMBS conference in Calgary (July 2004). A more complete discussion is currently under review for publication in CJCE. Third, the method is currently being employed to practical case studies involving ISIS technologies including: (a) the Hudson Bay Bridge (SHM 2004), (b) the North Perimeter Bridge (JCSS 2005), and (c) ‘typical’ Saskatchewan bridge deck designs (ConMat ‘05). In addition, the project group is working with Dr. G. Tadros to develop a generic implementation of our method for any range of bridge deck technologies (e.g., HPC, PMA asphalts, etc.). Our involvement in these case studies will help us develop practical tools that promote the rational evaluation of infrastructure design and ongoing management options considering both conventional and innovative technologies.

2005-06

Since publishing a review of pertinent literature and related investigations of ISIS demonstration projects, the research program has focused on developing a credible life cycle costing method for evaluating the benefits of ISIS technologies.  The result is a life cycle engineering and costing (LCE&C) method that suggests the rational use of life cycle costing criteria within the engineering design process itself.  Combining the insights of engineering design, economics and decision theory, the advocated method has important implications for the evaluation of innovative technologies relevant to complex infrastructure systems.

The LCE&C method developed is being leveraged in many ways.  First, it forms the basis for a seminar in life cycle costing to promote rational evaluation of engineering design options involving both conventional and innovative technologies.  Since rational evaluation often promotes innovative solutions, this can only help ISIS Canada’s technology transfer initiative.  Second, elucidation and demonstration of the advocated method is already finding its way into published literature.  Currently, a summary of relevant theory will be presented at the upcoming ACMBS conference in Calgary (July, 2004).  In the coming months, a more complete discussion will be included in both a technical working paper and subsequent publication in a reputable journal.  Third, the method is currently being employed to practical case studies involving ISIS technologies (e.g., the Hudson Bay bridge and South Perimeter bridge projects, respectively).  Our involvement in these case studies will help us develop practical tools that promote the rational evaluation of infrastructure design and on-going management options considering both conventional and innovative technologies.

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Structural Health Monitoring Support Centre (4.1.4)
Project Leader: Dr. Aftab Mufti, University of Manitoba

2002-03

The Structural Health Monitoring Support Centre was established in April 2002 by the RMC of ISIS Canada to contain technical staff, equipment and supplies, operations and training and demonstration facilities under the direction of Dr. A. A. Mufti. In staffing this centre, a post-doctoral SHM research engineer has been hired who performed his doctorate with Professor Farhad Ansari at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He will join the Centre in the summer of this year. In addition, technical staff will be hired this fall to support the activities of the Centre. The Centre also entered into a contract with IDERS to manufacture FBG Readout units. The first demonstration of the Fibre Bragg sensor interrogation unit jointly developed by ISIS and IDERS took place at Taylor Bridge in Headingley, Manitoba on Friday, May 30, 2003. There was a fairly large crowd in attendance including representatives from IDERS, Earth Tech Canada, the Province of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba (Aftab Mufti and Douglas Thomson), Dalhousie University (John Newhook) and the University of Alberta (Roger Cheng). The demonstration was carried out using a three axle truck with a total weight of 85,000 lbs. (11,000, 37,000 and 37,000 lbs.). The truck made multiple passes over the bridge at 40 km/h and at a crawl of 5 km/h. Two mid-span FBG sensors were used for the demonstration in combination with several metal foil strain gauges for validation. One of these sensors was originally installed in 1996, and one was bonded onto the outside of the beam for this demonstration. The interrogation unit sampled the sensors at 100 samples per second and had a resolution limited by noise of approximately one microstrain. Readings taken from the metal foil strain gauges and a National Instruments system validated the readings taken by the Fibre Bragg interrogation unit including the ability to resolve strain from two of the axles at 40 km/h. Overall the ISIS representatives were very pleased with the results of the demonstration and look forward to receiving delivery of the units. The centre has been involved in developing an internet based Live Data site on the ISIS Canada web page. This activity is supported by one part time SHM engineer and one undergraduate Civil Structures Student. The following structures are active on the ISIS web site: · Golden Boy, MB · Provencher Bridge, MB · Taylor Bridge, MB · Portage Creek Bridge, BC · Trout River Bridge, BC The new Structures Laboratory containing the SHM Civionics Centre has now been constructed. It houses FOSs sensors, Read-Out Units, OSAs and models of the Golden Boy and Provencher Bridge for demonstration purposes. Last year’s budget (2002-03) for the Structures Lab from NCE was $30,000. This year’s budget (2003-04) from NCE is $200,000.

2003-04

Organization Structure of the SHM Support Centre: the basic organization structure of SHM-SC has been finalized recently and would be submitted to RMC for review. The general activities, policies and directions will be guided by a Steering Committee chaired by Dr. Aftab Mufti and assisted by an Advisory Group. The center would be operated by the Centre Manager in consultation with the Chair and Field Project Coordinator.

Network equipment pool: The center entered into a contract agreement with IDERS to manufacture FBG Readout units. SHM-SC is working closely with IDERS to ensure that the equipment meets ISIS specifications. An earlier prototype of the equipment was taken to the University of Sherbrook in November, 2003 for demonstration and the current version has been demonstrated at Drexel University, Philadelphia, in June, 2004. Discussion has started on extending the capability of the equipment to handle conventional sensors as well.

Data Collection, Management, Storage, Server Maintenance and Programming: Currently, data collected from the sensors use FTP or such store and forward type of data transfer mechanism to transfer data from the on-site DAQ to a central server. Efforts are being made to stream data directly from the site to the database without storing it on-site. The novel event identification technique, developed at the center can help reduce the demands on the bandwidth and database space by filtering mundane data. The system can also provide alert mechanism when unusual events occur.

New Database Server: Recently a SQL database server is installed to store and manage the SHM data. This will enable efficient storage and maintenance of sensor data, and allow anybody interested in the data to access it using SQL instructions or Excel program.

Laboratory demonstration project: ISIS Canada has a number of field demonstration projects which show case the technology and systems built or promoted by ISIS Canada for infrastructure rehabilitation and structural health monitoring. To facilitate demonstration in the lab environment, SHM-SC has embarked on developing a small laboratory project to show essential components of SHM systems.

Industry Liaison, Validation of Equipments, Technologies and Products: There is usually a gap between equipment/sensor vendors and SHM system designers in terms of determining the actual requirements and operating factors. SHM-SC is in a position to bridge the gap by sharing the knowledge base, providing consultancy and support to equipment/sensor vendors and infrastructure owners. SHM-SC has undertaken the task of testing and validating the operations of the IDERS SHM equipment. It would be desirable to partner with other vendors in various ways.

Training/Design Manual: A design manual for Civionics specifications is in its final stage. “Civionics” is a new term coined for Civil-Electronics, which is derived from the application of Electronics in Civil Engineering. It is similar to the term “Avionics” as used in the aerospace industry. Installation and maintenance of a Structural Health Monitoring System often needs the collaboration of Civil, Electrical and Computer Engineers. SHM-SC is making significant effort to develop the new discipline of Civionics, combining these areas. The design manual on Civionics Specifications will deal with the practical issues in SHM system design and installation.

SHM & Civionics Systems of the Steel Free Deck Bridge in the Laboratory: The steel free bridge deck constructed at the structures laboratory is installed with a number of conventional and FBG sensors. Apart from studying the structural, it would serve as a test bed for formulating guidelines for SHM and Civionics systems.

ISIS Network Activities: One of the major goals of SHM-SC is to collaborate with ISIS project leaders to identify potential field projects where the centre’s expertise could help accelerate the implementation new and/or revival of existing SHM systems. Current meetings with dr. John Newhook and Dr. Roger Cheng identified few such projects. Dr. Newhook also took a stock of all current field projects. He gave an overview presentation about the SHM systems on these and other projects at the ISIS Conference 2004
Website development for SHM data presentation and remote monitoring: SHM-SC provides support to develop and maintain internet websites for individual field projects with a common look and feel. The websites present the live SHM data graphical form. The websites also include real time digital video feed from the web camera installed on the structures. Recently the center has designed the SHM website for the Esplanade Riel Bridge in Winnipeg.

SHM Short Course: In collaboration with a number of ISIS Project Leaders, SHM-SC is developing a Short Course on Structural Health Monitoring and Civionics Systems for Intelligent Civil Infrastructures to be delivered during the SHM-2004 Workshop in Winnipeg.

2004-05

Organization Structure of the SHM Support Centre: The general activities, policies and directions will be guided by a Steering Committee chaired by Dr. Aftab Mufti. This committee will hold budgetary responsibility for the SHM-SC and report on a regular basis to the RMC. The Steering Committee will include key project leaders from Theme 1 (Intelligent Sensing and Structural Health Monitoring) who represent various regions of Canada. An Advisory Group of Researchers, Industry and Government personnel will provide input to the Steering Committee on emerging needs and requirements, as well as feedback on the SHM-SC activities. It is the key group for liaison with end users. The regular activities of the SHM-SC will be supervised by the Centre Manager in consultation with the Field Project Coordinator.

New Database Server: Recently a SQL database server was installed to store and manage the SHM data. This will enable efficient storage and maintenance of sensor data, and allow flexible and secure access to data using SQL instructions or an Excel program.

IDERS SHM Equipment Validation: Several tests of the specifications and operation of the IDERS 5100A Fibre Bragg Readout Unit were conducted in order to evaluate the unit and verify that the specifications set out by ISIS Canada for the instrument were met. Overall, the 5100A unit either met or exceeded the original specifications that were set out.

Drexel Validation of the IDERS SHM Equipment: A demonstration of the specifications and operation of the IDERS Fibre Bragg Readout instrument was conducted at the Intelligent Infrastructure Institute (DI3) at Drexel University. The purpose of the demonstration was to present the new instrument to the research team at DI3. This group is involved in many structural health monitoring (SHM) field projects and has extensive experience in sensor and data acquisition evaluation in both laboratory and field environments. The research team at DI3 conducted a series of tests with the unit to provide feedback on instrument design, performance and functionality from an independent group of non-ISIS researchers. “The IDERS SHM 5100A system displayed an excellent ability to accurately capture the strains at the flanges of the calibration beam when the data from the FBG sensors with polyimide recoating supplied by LxSix are considered. Reliability is judged as ~95%.”

Laboratory demonstration project: ISIS Canada has a number of field demonstration projects that showcase the technology and systems built or promoted by ISIS Canada for infrastructure rehabilitation and structural health monitoring. It is also necessary to build a laboratory demonstration project to test and demonstrate various sensors and SHM equipment on a smaller scale to give observers a sense of the technologies used in SHM systems. With that aim SHM-SC is developing a small demonstration project to show what is involved in monitoring a structure, including installation of SHM systems, data acquisition and management, sensor data interpretation and more. The demonstration project was used in the Second SHM Workshop held in September 2004.

FBG Tension Test: Fibre Bragg gratings are recoated after the grating has been written to maintain the strength and flexibility of the fibre by protecting the exposed glass from damage. The objective of this study was to observe the performance of fibre Bragg grating sensors coated with different materials. The results of this study will provide the information necessary in determining if the type of recoat material affects transmission of strain from a specimen to the sensor. A cold rolled steel tension test specimen was designed and constructed to provide a constant strain environment during the test. Fibre Bragg sensors coated with either acrylate or polyimide, as well as conventional electrical strain gauges and strain gauge rosettes, were attached to the steel coupon. Tensile tests of the steel specimen were conducted to monitor the performance of the fibre Bragg sensors.

SHM Short Course: In collaboration with a number of ISIS Project Leaders, SHM-SC developed a Short Course on Fundamentals of Installation of Structural Health Monitoring Systems to be delivered during the SHM-2004 Workshop in Winnipeg. The course was designed to give the participants a state-of-the-art overview of structural health monitoring (SHM) and Civionics systems. As infrastructure owners recognize the benefits of monitoring, more and more new and rehabilitated structures will be installed with such systems. This course made the attendees aware of the benefits, current technologies, potential difficulties and experience gained from the field projects. The course was divided into a number of modules focusing on various aspects of SHM and Civionics systems including a video footage of actual installation. It also gave attendees hands-on experience involving sensor installation, data collection and interpretation.

2005-06

SHM Short Course (ISHMII/ISIS)

• A short course was planned for the 2nd International Conference on Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure in November 2005.  This short course was developed in collaboration with the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure (ISHMII).  It was based on the Course on Fundamentals of Installation of Structural Health Monitoring Systems delivered during the SHM-2004 Workshop in Winnipeg. The course gave the participants an overview of SHM and Civionics systems.

Installation of IDERS SHM Equipment on Confederation Bridge

• Fifteen FBG sensors are currently embedded in one of the main girders and adjacent drop-in span in Confederation Bridge.  An initial field visit in September 2004 assessed the sensor functionality.  Deployment of an IDERS FBG SHM readout unit will provide feedback on the performance of the unit in a long term remote monitoring environment.

Extended temperature validation of IDERS units

• The current operating temperature range of the IDERS FBG readout units is 0ºC to 40ºC.  However, since most field projects have larger temperature ranges, it is often necessary to operate the unit in negative temperatures.  Therefore, the IDERS units underwent extended temperature validation, particularly in the negative temperature range. 

Deployment of IDERS units to Dalhousie and Sherbrooke Universities

• The IDERS FBG readout units will be first deployed to Dalhousie and Sherbrooke Universities.  These units will be used in both field and lab applications at these universities.  Each university will provide annual reports on the use of these units in their projects.

Develop tests to benchmark FBG readout units

• The validation of the IDERS FBG readout units provided the SHM-SC with experience in evaluating and verifying the specifications of the unit.  The SHM-SC now aims to evaluate FBG readout units from different manufacturers.  However, formal tests and procedures were developed to validate the units. 

Fibre Optic Training for SHMSC Staff

• To expand the expertise of the SHMSC, training is necessary.  The first step involves fibre optic installer training, which includes learning fibre optic theory, splicing and connectorization.  These skills will broaden the skill set of the SHM-SC, thus reducing the need to contract out work that could easily be done in-house.

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Education Committee Modules (4.1.5)
Project Leader: Dr. Luke Bisby, Queen's University

2003-04

• The first four ISIS Canada Educational Modules, of a total of seven proposed modules, have been completed, reviewed, and approved by the ISIS Education Committee.
• These modules are being presented to engineering professors from across Canada at the First ISIS Professors’ Workshop on May 7th, 2004, in Toronto, Ontario. 
• Modules five through seven are planned to be completed by the end of 2004.

2004-05

• The first four (of a total of ten) ISIS Canada educational modules were finalized in August 2004 and have been made available via download from the ISIS Canada website
• In the first six months of their availability for free download, the ISIS Canada educational modules have been obtained by more than 45 individuals in at least 11 countries.
• The first four educational modules were transferred to university engineering faculty members from across Canada at the highly successful 1st ISIS Canada professors’ workshop, held in Toronto in June 2004.
• Various components of the first four modules have been used in undergraduate and graduate teaching at Queen’s University, the University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, the University of Calgary, and Red River College. Module components have also been used in professional education settings in both Canada and the United States.
• The educational modules are being modified, with permission and full credit given to ISIS Canada, for use by the American Concrete Institute in the United States.
• ISIS Educational Module 5 is in the final stages of review by the ISIS Education Committee, and should be available for download from the ISIS Canada website by the end of May 2005.
• Educational Modules six through ten are currently under development, and it is expected that at least two of these remaining modules will be completed and made available by March 2006.
• Two graduate students (Foster and MacLean) are currently assisting with the development of the Educational Modules

2005-06

• The first five (of a total of ten) ISIS Canada educational modules were updated and/or finalized in August 2005 and have been made available via download from the ISIS Canada website at www.isiscanada.com.
• In the first 18 months of their availability for free download, the ISIS Canada educational modules have been obtained by more than 150 individuals in at least 33 countries.
• The first four educational modules were transferred to technical college engineering faculty members from across Canada at the highly successful 2nd Annual ISIS Canada professors’ workshop, held in Winnipeg in May 2005.
• Various components of the first five modules have been used in undergraduate and graduate teaching at Queen’s University, the University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, the University of Calgary, and Red River College, among others. Module components have also been used in professional education settings in Canada, the United States, and China.
• Conference papers on the ISIS Canada Educational Modules have been presented during 2005 in Vancouver, Canada and Shenzhen, China. An additional paper is being presented in Porto, Portugal in July 2006.
• The educational modules are being modified, with permission and full credit given to ISIS Canada, for use by the American Concrete Institute in the United States.
• ISIS Educational Modules 6, 7, and 8 are in the final stages of review by the ISIS Education Committee, and should be available for download from the ISIS Canada website by the end of July 2006.
• Educational Modules 9 and 10 are currently under development, and it is expected that these remaining modules will be completed and made available by the end of 2006.
• Two graduate students (Foster and MacLean) are currently assisting with the development of the Educational Modules.

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LCE&C Tech Transfer (4.1.6)
Project Leader: Dr. Gordon Sparks, University of Saskatchewan

2004-05

Project 4.1.6 is a recent project that expands on work previously within the auspices of project 4.1.1. Its goal is to facilitate the transfer of ISIS technologies to infrastructure owners through a combination of workshops, seminars and other educational media oriented around the application of life cycle engineering and costing (LCE&C) principles. To date, the project team has presented an afternoon seminar at the CSCE conference in Saskatoon (June 2004) and at the ISIS RMC retreat in Banff (August 2004). Since that time, workshops involving comparison of conventional and innovative bridge deck designs have occurred in Winnipeg (November 2004) and Saskatoon (January 2005 and April 2005). Resulting papers (published under project 4.1.1) include Sparks et al. 2005 and Christensen et al. 2005.

2005-06

Project 4.1.6 is recent project that expands on work previously within the auspices of project 4.1.1.  It’s goal is to facilitate the transfer of ISIS technologies to infrastructure owners through a combination of workshops, seminars and other educational media oriented around the application of life cycle engineering and costing (LCE&C) principles.  To-date, the project team has presented an afternoon seminar at the CSCE conference in Saskatoon (June 2004) and at the ISIS RMC retreat in Banff (August 2004).  Since that time, workshops involving comparison of conventional and innovative bridge deck designs have occurred in Winnipeg (November 2004) and Saskatoon (January 2005 and April 2005).  Resulting papers (published under project 4.1.1) include Sparks et al 2005 and Christensen et al 2005). Two workshops have been presented to date (see below) and another is scheduled for May 23, 2006 in conjunction with the CSCE Annual Conference.

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