A Self-Sensing Adaptive Material for a New Generation of Multifunctional Highway Bridge Bearing Systems

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno explored the feasibility of a self-sensing adaptive bridge bearing system. In this system, rubber bearings and sensors made of a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) (or controllable rubber) respond to loads and vibrations through automated changes in stiffness. The system has a wireless, self-sensing capability that enables bridge owners to set threshold warnings and receive alerts via text message when a bridge reaches a predetermined level of vibration. Researchers validated the systems by testing and evaluating the performance of its adaptive features under simulated wind and traffic loads. Because the sensors collect data, they can show owners the activities and stresses that a bridge experiences.

• Record URL:
  https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/ear/19027/19027.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/48738
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Nevada, Reno

  Department of Mechanical Engineering
  Reno, NV  United States  89557

  University of Nevada, Reno

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  1664 North Virginia Street
  Reno, NV  United States  89557

  University of Nevada, Reno

  Electrical and Bioengineering Department
  Reno, NV  United States 

  TMNcorp

  Rockville, Maryland  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management
  6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101

  Federal Highway Administration

  Exploratory Advanced Research Program
  6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101-2296
• Authors:
  • Gordaninejad, Faramarz
  • Itani, Ahmad
  • Pekcan, Gokhan
  • Publicover, Nelson
  • Behrooz, Majid
  • Yarra, Siddaiah
  • Marsh, Joanna
• Publication Date: 2020-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Research Summary Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 16p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge bearings; Data collection; Elastomers; Feasibility analysis; Highway bridges; Rubber; Sensors; Simulation; Stiffness; Traffic loads; Validation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01736254
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-HRT-19-027
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-13-C-00020; DTFH61-15-A-00003
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 17 2020 9:35AM