Affordable Sensors for Infrastructure

DACCO SCI, INC. proposes a Phase I SBIR program to develop an affordable sensor system to monitor the health or condition of infrastructure. Although the selection of sensors will depend on the particular infrastructure being monitored, it is anticipated that in-situ corrosion sensors will be coupled with fiber optic and/or acoustic sensors. The corrosion sensor is capable of monitoring corrosion and degradation beginning at the earliest stages. The fiber optic and acoustic sensors will be able to monitor strain and cracking in the structure. The combined sensor system will provide a complete analysis of the structure's health. Two versions of the sensors will be available - one that is permanently attached or embedded into the structure and one that is appended to the member after construction. The latter one allows existing structures to be retro-fitted with the sensor system. The sensors will be interrogated and their signals analyzed with a major advance in the inspection at infrastructure. Knowledge of the condition of the structure will result in improvements in reliability, safety, and readiness and should allow a more cost-effective needs-based maintenance.