Monitor for Risk of Structural Collapse

The focus of this SBIR submission 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" that would 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 reliably provide timely warnings to fire fighters and would reduce the risk of death and disability following structural collapse. During Phase 1, Sekos will select the optimal sensor package based on comparison evaluations of performance and build and test the system architecture that will reliably collect data, process the data and transmit the information to remote sites. At the end of Phase 1, a field-ready prototype and documentation will be provided to NIST for evaluation. Follow on phases will focus on methods to optimize fabrication, integrate a robust wireless communication system, integrate environmental protection and test the system in live burn exercises in preparation for the eventual commercialization of the system.