Bio-inspired Magnetostrictive Whisker Sensors for Autonomous Bridge Scour Sensing
This paper presents an ongoing study focused on scour detection using automated remote flow detection arrays based on bio-inspired magnetostrictive flow sensors. Whisker-shaped sensors made of Galfenol have previously been demonstrated to be effective flow sensors through the inherently large coupling that exists between stress and magnetic field within this material. As fluid flow causes the whisker to bend, the internal magnetic dipoles realign resulting in a measurable change in magnetic field at the base of the whisker. These sensors are inexpensive and robust versions of buried-rod scour sensors. This study employs these sensors to detect scour around bridge piers and abutments. Whiskers that are free to move in the water will return dynamic signals; whiskers trapped by sediment will return static signals. By interrogating the state of the array, a map of the channel bed can be inferred and communicated to a remote user via cellular data link and web client. The relative simplicity of this data interrogation contributes to the robustness of the system. Wireless “smart scour-sensing posts” are proposed as modular installations of multiple flow transducers coupled with data acquisition electronics for scour monitoring. A decision support framework to provide useful information to bridge owners is an integral part of the project. A robust program of validation is in progress to define the limits of the approach both in the laboratory and the field. Technical challenges such as corrosion protection signal classification, sensor fault detection, installation, and data and information flow and representation are explored.
-
Supplemental Notes:
- This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFB60 Hydrology, Hydraulics and Water Quality.
-
Corporate Authors:
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001 -
Authors:
- Swartz, R. Andrew
- Flatau, Alison B
- Brooks, Colin N
- Barkdoll, Brian D
- Na, Suok-Min
- Endsley, K Arthur
-
Conference:
- Transportation Research Board 93rd Annual Meeting
- Location: Washington DC
- Date: 2014-1-12 to 2014-1-16
- Date: 2014
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 12p
- Monograph Title: TRB 93rd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Bridge piers; Corrosion; Decision support systems; Electromagnetic fields; Remote sensing; Scour; Sensors
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I60: Maintenance;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01519068
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 14-4333
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Mar 24 2014 12:01PM