RP09-1: Phase I Project for Integrating Intelligent Structure Technology for Refining Bridge Inspection in Mississippi

Duration: July 2009 - June 2010

Current bridge inspections are mostly performed by visual inspections that may not reliably identify all defects in a timely manner. Given today’s increasingly crowded and aging bridge systems, these inspections can not assure bridge safety and cost-effective maintenance. Intelligent Structure Technology (IST) integrates smart sensors, data acquisition, microprocessor, and communication technology and could identify the presence and extent of damage in bridges. The FHWA has recognized this need and created a framework for Development of Model Structural Health Monitoring Guide for Major Bridges. Several states had started applying this technology into new or existing bridges and refine their bridge inspection. Implementation of intelligent transportation system is an interdisciplinary research frontier for managing transportation system and securing its safety operation. The proposed project is the Phase I of a roadmap towards developing and transferring intelligent damage diagnosis technologies for assessing bridge conditions and supporting decision-making for bridge maintenance in Mississippi. It will focus on research on the detrimental bridge deteriorations in Mississippi and their analytical modeling, transfer of sensing technology to meet the need of bridge inspection in Mississippi, and education on IST for diverse students and professionals.

PI: Dr. Wei Zheng
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Jackson State University.