TSEC 114: The Dynamic Realm of Structural Health Monitoring and Its Profound Significance for the Future
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Description
In this episode, we talk with Don Kline, P.E., president and founder at Kline Engineering & Consulting, LLC, about the dynamic realm of structural health monitoring, exploring its profound significance, diverse applications, and cutting-edge solutions brought by InfrastructureTek. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Don: Have you had experience evaluating and rehabilitating concrete structures in your practice? What is the current state of the smart building and structural health monitoring technology industry, particularly for structural engineers who may be unfamiliar with these emerging trends? How do these sensors continuously monitor the structural health of a building, especially when concrete is concealed, and is the data accessible through an app or other means? Do you embed these sensors in the concrete during the pouring process, where they remain throughout the entire lifespan of the building? What are the key reasons that structural health monitoring holds significant importance? Could you explain the process of retrieving and accessing the data obtained from structural health monitoring systems? Were you involved with a startup company named InfrastructureTek? Who typically receives and manages the data from these sensors, and how does the process of data transmission and response work? Do you see potential applications for sensors in monitoring ground motion during earthquakes, assessing building integrity during seismic events, or detecting damage to rebar and reinforcing in structures on the East Coast during heavy winds or earthquakes? Could you elaborate on the potential benefits of having data from sensors in real-life buildings, as opposed to limited lab experiments, and how this data could enhance understanding and mitigation of various types of damage, including seismic and corrosion? What are your thoughts on the slow adoption of technology in the construction industry, despite the exciting advancements available? What advice do you have for aspiring structural engineers, especially those interested in fields like seismic engineering, concrete structure evaluation, rehabilitation, or emerging technologies? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Dynamic Realm of Structural Health Monitoring: Kline Engineering & Consulting, LLC, specializes in both the design of new tension concrete structures and the evaluation, repair, retrofit, and strengthening of existing structures, including buildings and bridges, with a team of engineers who are proficient in both aspects. Concrete structures remain stable until corrosion of the rebar and reinforcing steel occurs, leading to cracks and issues. Current technology for smart monitoring is limited, with wired systems and fragmented solutions. However, a partnership with the innovative European company, Infra Salute, aims to introduce comprehensive structural monitoring technology to the United States, addressing the need for more effective, long-term solutions. Two sensors, roughly the size of hockey pucks, are employed for structural health monitoring: a corrosion sensor that detects corrosion when the protective layer is compromised, and a moisture sensor that tracks changes in concrete humidity and moisture content over time, offering comprehensive data. The product offers versatile applications: embedding it during original construction ensures continuous monitoring for over 70 years without the need for power or maintenance, and it can also be added to existing structures by coring a hole and packing it with grout or incorporated into repair patches for structures like parking garages or bridge decks,
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