Medical University of South Carolina

Paul Ziehl

Victor Giurgiutiu

Michael Van Tooren

Juan M Caicedo

Bin Lin

Lateef Assi

Vafa Soltangharaei

Jianguo Peter Yu

Navid Saleh

Fabio Matta

Nirupam Aich

Mohamed K ElBatanouny

Nima Zohhadi

Boris A Zarate

Iftheker A Khan

Matthew K Jones

Rafal Anay

Described herein are systems and methods based on acoustic emission (AE) technology to monitor a concrete structure for a short interval and, based on signals acquired, estimate Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) progression status in the structure remotely and efficiently without halting any serviceability and operational activities of the structure, knowing the ASR progression status of the structure helps determine rehabilitation and future structural safety and serviceability of the structure.

Short-term AE monitoring to identifying ASR progression in concrete structures

Described herein are systems and methods for determination of rolling resistance from a sensor or sensors in a tire or tires for application in smart cars to provide feedback to interested parties, such as Departments of Transportation or tire manufacturers.

Sensing in tires for rolling resistance

A connector for joining concrete structures such as double tee beams to one another. The connector includes a curved bolt that is formed with a shape memory alloy. Through utilization of the bolt, a joint can be post-tensioned following assembly through application of heat to the joint. Post-tensioning can be reapplied following loosening of the joint through application of heat. When considering a super elastic shape memory alloy, the bolt can be a smart bolt that can self-correct following deformation due to excessive load.

Method of use of flange connectors for double tee beams

Structural health monitoring (SHM)/nondestructive evaluation (NDE) exists as a tool in conjunction with manufactured pieces. Presently disclosed subject matter integrates automated video with a structural health monitoring system. In conjunction with bridge monitoring, integration of such two systems automates determination of the effect or correlation of vehicular loading on SHM data from a subject bridge. Such correlations help to understand the sources of structural health monitoring data, particularly acoustic emission data, in bridges and other structures, such as dams and nuclear plants. Automation of the evaluation of bridges and other structures increases accuracy and minimizes risk to workers and the public. Assessing the structural condition of bridges and other structures as presently disclosed also facilitates automated asset management of transportation systems, such as by state departments of transportation and other bridge/structural owners.

Integrated and automated video/structural health monitoring system

A non-intrusive monitoring method and system for the detection and potential assessment of damage that may occur during a manufacturing process is described. Potential damage events such as impact events can be detected by one or more sensors located on a workpiece or on a machine utilized in the manufacturing process. Through wireless monitoring of the sensors, potential damage events are detected and products of the manufacturing process can be examined to determine if the event has led to damage.

Wireless damage assessment during manufacturing

Fly ash-based geopolymer binders and activating solutions for use in forming a concrete as well as methods for forming concrete including the binders are described. The fly ash-based geopolymer binders include a combination of fly ash, silica fume, and sodium hydroxide as well as an amount of Portland cement. Concretes formed of the binders can exhibit excellent compressive strength and fuel energy characteristics as well as being more cost efficient as compared to other concretes. The inclusion of an amount of Portland cement in the binders can allow for a decrease in sodium hydroxide and silica fume content while maintaining desirable compressive strength characteristics.

Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete and method of formation

Disclosed are composite structure health monitoring (SHM) systems that incorporate aspects of both a passive SHM system and an active SHM system. Systems provide a route for continuous monitoring to recognize potentially damaging events as well as to determine the location and intensity of damage in those instances in which the event does cause damage to the structure. Systems can provide improved monitoring with a low space and weight requirement, for instance when utilized for SHM of aircraft.

Structural health monitoring method and system

Methods of using acoustic emission (AE) as a condition assessment technique for alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete are provided. ASR is a chemical reaction occurring between alkaline hydroxides within cement past and certain types of amorphous silica found in mineral aggregates. ASR causes an accumulation of internal pressure due to the formation of a hygroscopic gel which leads to expansion and cracking of the concrete. AE is highly sensitive to stress waves emitted from a sudden release of energy such as formation of cracks in concrete. This allows it to capture and identify propagating damage. AE has the potential to detect micro-cracks forming prior to expansion, which can be related to the degree of ASR damage.

Non-intrusive methods for the detection and classification of alkali-silica reaction in concrete structures

In accordance with the present disclosure, a method of using acoustic emission data to predict the state of a structural element is described. The method includes capturing acoustic emission data for a structural element. The method further includes predicting the future stress intensity in the structural element using the captured acoustic emission data and calculating the probability of future failure of the structural element using the predicted future stress intensity.

Determination of the remaining life of a structural system based on acoustic emission signals

Methods are generally provided for forming a polymer-cement composite. In one embodiment of the method, a plurality of dopamine monomers is dispersed in a buffer solution. Polymerization of the dopamine monomers can then be initiated, and a cement-sand mixture can be added to the buffer solution to form a composite mixture. Finally, the composite mixture can be cured to form a polymer-cement composite. Polymer-cement composites are also generally provided that, in one embodiment, include cement, sand, and poly(dopamine), with the polymer-cement composite having a compressive strength of 8000 psi.

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Irmo, SC, United States of America

Paul Ziehl