Monitor for Risk of Structural Collapse

The proposal is to develop a system to monitor fire-induced structural vibrations that provide real time data correlating with structural integrity. The system is designed to bridge an "information void" and provide firefighters with information that can warn of impending collapse. The system, based on accelerometer technology, will monitor structural integrity through the algorithmic analysis of structural vibrations that have been shown to reliably detect changes in structural integrity. We believe that a careful application of this sensor system would accurately provide timely warning to fire fighters and would reduce the risk of death and disability due to structural collapse. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The commercial market for this system includes the US fire service and international fire companies. Further testing of the system may enable marketing the device to search and rescue/disaster operations, military applications, mining operations, and general construction. The primary application of the research and efforts proposed herein will be a rapidly installed sensor system which will be used to assist fire personnel in understanding and assessing the risk of a structural collapse.