Articles tagged with Bridges
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have discovered a method to increase muon lifetime using intense laser pulses. By applying quantum interference principles, they aim to develop new scientific facilities that utilize muons instead of electrons.
Researchers develop a novel integrated data model that merges construction and geospatial information standards to manage bridges' 3D geometry data and maintenance records. This framework enables accurate damage location assessment, repair prioritization, and predictive maintenance, leading to improved infrastructure safety and longevity.
A team from UPV and UVigo has discovered the hidden mechanisms that prevent bridges from collapsing under extreme events. They found that damaged bridges can still withstand loads greater than they normally bear, thanks to latent resistance.
Researchers at UCF used a combination of emerging technologies to evaluate the safety of concrete bridges. By combining infrared thermography, high-definition imaging and neural network analysis, they can quickly identify defects and prioritize repairs.
The authors introduce advanced methodologies for integrating maintenance strategies and structural health monitoring to extend infrastructure service life. Topics include data-driven decision-making, multi-objective optimization, cost-benefit analysis, and the role of data analytics in managing uncertainties.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University conducted a simulation to study bridge failure during large-scale earthquakes. The study highlights the importance of girder end design in improving resilience, with reinforcing ribs shown to be effective against lateral forces.
WaveLogix, a tech startup, has received a six-month SBIR Phase I grant from the National Science Foundation to develop its Internet of Things sensing system for infrastructure monitoring. The Rebel brand of concrete strength sensors directly measures real-time, in-place concrete strength without destructive testing.
Researchers analyzed the catastrophic failure of Japan's Misasa Railroad Bridge, revealing that flood hydrodynamic forces exceeded seismic design standards by nearly double. The study recommends increasing space under bridges to reduce submersion and designing structures to withstand overflow.
Researchers at the University of Kansas will investigate improved detailing in steel bridges to prevent constraint-induced fractures, which can lead to bridge failures. They will also evaluate university curricula for graduate students studying bridge design to address gaps in education and improve continuing education.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a nanomaterials-engineered penetrating sealer that improved concrete's water and salt resistance by 75% and 44%, respectively. The sealer is environmentally friendly and designed to also serve as a curing aid for fresh concrete.
Engineers developed a computational modeling strategy to simulate restoration strategies for reinforced concrete columns. The models predict the effects of repair methods on column strength and ductility before and after repair.
The bridge, led by Dutch company MX3D, will serve as a 'living laboratory' in Amsterdam's city centre, with sensors measuring its performance and behavior. Researchers will analyze data to understand how the public interacts with 3D-printed infrastructure and its long-term behavior.
Researchers at Aalto University discovered that warm ice behaves differently than previously studied cold ice, with no significant viscoelastic recovery. The team's findings suggest that warmer conditions are increasingly expected to affect infrastructure engineering in frigid regions.
A research team at KICT has developed a fully-automated peak-picking method for extracting modal frequencies in stay-cables without prior setting or human manipulation. The method utilizes domain knowledge based on the physical characteristics of stay-cables, outperforming state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.
A UTA civil engineering assistant professor is developing a multi-level dynamic model to measure the resilience level of transportation infrastructure networks in natural disasters. The project will create a decision-support tool and quantitative models to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure before disasters occur.
A new approach to evaluating bridge strength and remaining life is being developed by a University of Texas at Arlington engineer, combining non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques with computer modeling and full-scale load testing. The method aims to prioritize repairs without closing roads.
UTA researchers are testing a new slope protection system to strengthen riverbanks and eliminate erosion around bridge supports. The system uses articulated concrete blocks with anchors, which can stabilize the soil from below and reduce environmental impact.
UTA researchers create a non-contact testing system to inspect bridges without disrupting commuters. The system uses sensors mounted on a moving platform to detect mechanical waves and map hidden damage, enabling more accurate maintenance plans.
Researchers developed an AI system named SHMnet to analyze and assess damage in metallic structures, achieving a flawless identification record. The system has the potential to provide reliable, accurate, and affordable monitoring of bridges, towers, dams, and other metal structures.
A recent study by Colorado State University researchers highlights the impact of climate change on aging US bridges. The analysis reveals that rising temperatures will disproportionately affect bridges in northern regions, leading to increased thermal stress and potential structural damage.
A novel approach developed by Lehigh University researchers combines four steps: climatology, hydrology, structural engineering, and risk assessment to predict the impact of climate change on bridges. The model reveals that a 20-year flood may become a 13-year flood at the end of the century, nearly doubling the frequency of flooding.
Researchers have developed a satellite-based early warning system that can spot tiny movements in bridges indicating potential collapse. The technique combines data from satellites with advanced algorithms to provide near-real-time monitoring of entire structures.
The Memorial Bridge in New Hampshire has been outfitted with data sensors to transform it into a self-diagnosing bridge. The sensors capture information about the bridge's health, environmental conditions, and traffic patterns. This innovation aims to create the next generation of bridges with maximum safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Researchers from MSU and WUSTL are rolling out the next phase of testing by installing up to 2,000 sensors to explore logistics and provide useful monitoring data. The goal is to transform bridge preservation/management economics and improve maintenance with condition-based maintenance.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed smartphone-based technologies that can monitor civil infrastructure systems such as crumbling roads and aging bridges. By using various sensors on smartphones, they can determine the specific makeup and deterioration of a road's surface in real-time.
Researchers monitoring natural rock arch vibrations found daily changes can predict potential collapse. The study uses resonance frequencies to forecast an arch's stability, with results suggesting no imminent failure.
The University of Surrey has developed a new algorithm that can compress large amounts of data from bridge monitoring systems, reducing the storage requirements for authorities. The K-SVD method achieves near-lossless reconstruction with less than 0.1% data loss, compared to other methods which require up to 50% of the original data.
Researchers develop risk assessment framework to incorporate three common failure modes into a comprehensive strategy. The analysis finds that any risk assessment must consider all pertinent failure modes of a structure.
US bridges may be more vulnerable than previously thought, according to a new Stanford study. The research found that frequent flooding and extreme events driven by climate change could lead to increased collapses, with up to $250 billion in direct costs.
Researchers discovered that calcium-silicate-hydrates dissolve at high-stress regions and re-precipitate at low-stress regions, leading to 'creep' deformation. This finding could help develop mechanistic models for predicting creep behavior and identifying cementation agents with reduced sensitivity.
Researchers propose novel solutions to improve bridge safety and reduce maintenance costs, addressing structural issues with rebar placement and column connections. Computer modeling suggests cost savings of up to 30 times greater than the research investment.
The Mobile Bridge Version 4.0's viability was tested on a real river, showcasing its practical use with minimal personnel and no foundation work required. The bridge's scissor-like structure allows for efficient expansion and contraction while maintaining strength.
A CU Denver study reveals that upgrading bridges, roads and infrastructure can help mitigate flood damage. The researchers suggest using scour control methods and improving construction materials to increase resilience against future flooding.
A novel wireless sensor network is being developed to detect the onset of structural damage on bridges, stadiums, and other large public infrastructure. The system will monitor vibrations, sagging, and stresses to assess a structure's ability to carry its load.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing robotic rotorcraft for inspecting bridges, tools for minimally invasive surgery, and assistive robots for blind travelers. The National Science Foundation has awarded $7 million to support these projects.
A Rice University study identifies over a dozen Gulf Coast bridges at risk of severe damage in a hurricane with stronger winds than Hurricane Ike. The research helps public safety officials plan emergency responses and identify potential fixes for existing bridges.
Concordia engineers develop a decision-making approach that considers factors like traffic, drainage system efficiency and seismic risk to prioritize bridge maintenance. The new method has the potential to reduce costs by avoiding costly repairs later on and promoting sustainability.
The new Iowa River bridge features over 100 gauges that take 100 readings a second, providing quantitative information on the bridge's performance and condition. The system also monitors security and surveillance video, with data displayed in real-time on a website.
A new type of sensor, called 'sensing skin,' can monitor the health of concrete infrastructure continually and inexpensively. The sensor detects cracks by measuring changes in capacitance, allowing for precise location detection within 24 hours.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computerized plate analysis system that can analyze connections holding major bridge members together with high accuracy. The system may help identify trouble spots before another disaster occurs and allow for more widespread, low-cost and accurate inspections.
Researchers are developing an early warning system for bridge failures caused by scouring, using tiny fish-inspired sensors and radar technology. The system can provide real-time information on river bottom conditions and detect minute changes in depth and density of sediment.
Alfred R. Rives led the design and construction of the iconic bridge, but was denied recognition after joining the Confederacy. New research reveals his crucial role in the project's success.
The Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation has received $8.8 million in federal funding to develop a new bridge maintenance technology. The project aims to detect flaws in bridge decks early, extend bridge life, and reduce maintenance costs by analyzing ground-penetrating radar and seismic data.
Researchers are implementing a wireless monitoring system for analyzing the safety of older bridges, utilizing wind and structural vibrations as its sources of power. The project aims to provide real-time data on bridge health, enabling proactive repairs and extending bridge lifespan.
Researchers create 'composite doublers' that take stress from joints and allow it to pass through without stressing the structure, extending its lifespan. The technology also serves as a warning system for inspectors and road workers when it begins to wear out.
A new book by Louise Nelson Dyble uncovers corruption and lack of transparency in the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, a special district responsible for infrastructure spending. The district's history is seen as a case study of how bureaucratic power can lead to accountability issues.
Rice University Assistant Professor Jamie Padgett has been chosen as a 'New Face of Engineering', representing civil engineering, with research focused on identifying hazards to bridges and infrastructure. She aims to provide policymakers with tools for socially conscious infrastructure risk assessment and mitigation.
The Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation has been awarded a five-year, $25.5 million contract by the Federal Highway Administration to conduct a 20-year research study on bridge performance. The study aims to collect uniform data on bridge performance nationwide to inform bridge management decisions.
Researchers have developed a high-performance concrete bridge deck mixture that can extend the life of bridges to 100 years, reducing costs and environmental impact. The mixture uses recycled fly ash, silica fume, and ground granulated blast furnace slag to improve durability and reduce corrosion.