Bridge Monitoring

ATI instrumented a bridge near Marlin, Texas, with fiber-optic strain sensors. This task was conducted as part of a study by the University of Texas (UT). The Texas Department of Transportation (TexDot) took this particular bridge out of service to provide a full-scale test bed to evaluate new potential sensor technology. Destructive testing was conducted on the bridge.  Real-time structural monitoring was performed with fiber-optic and conventional sensors.

Concrete Structures

Researchers at ATI have investigated the use of fiber-optic sensors in concrete structures. A method to ruggedize the sensors has been developed through this effort. Commercial usage at construction sites requires rugged sensors that can withstand the construction environment. These fiber-optic sensors are capable of embedment in concrete. Data obtained from testing concrete cylinders and beams were successful in demonstrating their usage in the civil engineering sector.
 

The Fred Hartmann Bridge, located near Astro Technology
in Houston, Texas.