Smart Sensor Network for Platform Structural Health Monitoring

The military faces a challenge with regard to temporary bridge inspection, as most existing monitoring solutions are designed around the monitoring of permanent bridge structures. These temporary structures are now being used in semi-permanent installations and are experiencing loads and cycles far above their originally designed limits. There is a need to provide a system for these bridges to automatically assess the bridge condition, predict the remaining life, and communicate that information to decision makers. The approach presented here involves the development of a modular system that is capable of interfacing with multiple sensor platforms. There are many possible techniques for monitoring a bridge structure from localized monitoring technologies to overall assessment technologies. Potential techniques include acoustic emission, ultrasonic bulk waves, guided waves, strain gauges, eddy current, environmental sensors, load cells, and fiber optic sensors. FBS has put together a team that collectively has experience in all these areas. FBS has been working for years in the area of ultrasonic health monitoring technologies, and Mistras Group, doing business as Physical Acoustics Corporation (PAC) is a world leader in the implementation of health monitoring solutions for civil structures.