Theme 3 (1999-2002):
Remote Monitoring and Field Assessments
Director: Dr. Aftab Mufti, Dalhousie University
 PROJECTS IN THEME 3
As part of the 1998 NCE mid-term review of the ISIS research program, Theme 3 was renamed as per above to better reflect the scope of activities taking place within the theme.
The practical significance of monitoring a structure through its service life is that changes which affect the structural behaviour and load capacity are detected as they occur, thereby enabling important engineering decisions to be made, such as planning of on site inspections and timely quantification of repair needs.
Realization of this goal is intimately related to the development of the necessary technology for identification of bridge behaviour from response signals. These signals are generated by sensors installed at critical locations in a structure to identify the changing properties of the structure through time, as well as to detect important milestones in the life of the structure. Key elements of the interpretation of the data are establishing signal patterns, identifying and continuously re evaluating critical performance variables, assessment of the significance and overall impact of any recorded event and predicting the effects on service life. This type of monitoring has applicability to all types of bridges and structures. Within ISIS Canada, the technology has even greater significance in that the structures incorporate innovative structural technologies which must be closely monitored to assess their performance and safety thereby accelerating the rapid acceptance of these innovations.
A principal objective of Theme 3 is to develop the essential components of intelligent data processing techniques, suitable for identification of structural behaviour from records obtained by sensors located at critical parts of the structure. The information will be used to issue warnings that a closer inspection might be warranted, and also to update the analytical model of the structural system for future evaluations. At regular intervals, a long term evaluation of the records will be mobilized to study slow rate phenomena such as creep, corrosion and fatigue.
A second objective of Theme 3, closely linked to intelligent processing, is to develop remote monitoring systems. To achieve the maximum effectiveness of the sensing technology, engineers should be able to monitor widely separated bridges, from a single central location, in a manner that is more or less immediate. The engineer can receive the sensing information frequently at his or her office and real time decisions can then be made regarding the structure's safety and performance.
A third objective of Theme 3 is to integrate the fibre optic sensors with FRP reinforcements and manufacture smart reinforcement that is non corrosive, durable and provides the nervous system of the structure. This is a logical integration of the two elements of the ISIS Canada program, intelligent sensing and innovative structures, and is consistent with current trends in smart materials in other engineering disciplines.
A fourth objective of Theme 3 is to facilitate the field assessment of all ISIS technologies both in new construction and in rehabilitation projects. Remote monitoring and intelligent processing will be important tools in these assessment projects.
The potential contribution to the Canadian economy of this Theme is inter related to that of Theme 2. It is the other half of the facility which makes remote monitoring feasible and practicable and holds the promise for reduced cost of infrastructure management. There is also an opportunity for spin off companies. Once perfected, the application of the monitoring systems being developed is not limited to current ISIS applications. A wide range of opportunities could unfold, which would help to strengthen the Canadian economy.
Completed Research 1995 to 2006
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