Form ProjStat (Rev. 5/2013)

(RTI)

Research Project Statement 18-28
FY 2018 Annual Program
Title: / Evaluating Bridge Behavior Using Ultra-High Resolution Next-Generation Digital Image Correlation (DIC): Applications in Bridge Inspection and Damage Assessment
The Problem: / Field measurements of deformations and strains over the span and depth of a bridge are beneficial to evaluating the behavior and state of damage of the bridge. Applications benefitting from such measurements include bridge load testing and damage monitoring (e.g., monitoring of fracture cracks in steel members and crack progression in concrete members). Benefits include accelerated inspection times and higher detection accuracy compared with conventional visual inspection methods or those conducted using traditional measurement systems. Additionally, DIC permits structural assessment and monitoring from a large stand-off distance which can eliminate traffic disruptions and allow more frequent inspection, particularly for difficult to access bridges.
Technical
Objectives: / Recent advances in digital image correlation (DIC) technology has refined the resolution of deformation measurements offered by the technology by an order of magnitude, reaching a resolution on the order of 1/10,000 (0.0001) of an inch in three-dimensional space. This new resolution allows measurement of distributed strains down to 100 microstrains and crack widths over the full surface of a bridge. The new technology has been demonstrated in laboratory settings but needs to be adapted to in-situ bride monitoring, which involves overcoming field challenges such as variable lighting and ambient vibrations.
The proposed work will include:
1.  Monitoring bridges using the new DIC technology for the following applications: load effects, fracture crack monitoring steel bridges, and crack monitoring in concrete bridges.
2.  Damage monitoring will be demonstrated over a period of at least one year.
3.  Adjustments to the technology and monitoring methodology will be performed to overcome field challenges and achieve the desired in-situ measurement resolution.
4.  The proposed work will also include developing post-processing modules for deformation, strain, and crack data visualization to facilitate the decision process related to structural intervention.
Desired
Deliverables: / 1.  Technical memorandum for each task completed.
2.  Monthly progress reports.
3.  Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.
4.  Research report detailing system capabilities and use.
5.  Project Summary Report.
6.  A DIC system, including all necessary equipment for TxDOT use, which is capable of field monitoring of deformations, strains, and crack propagation over wide areas of bridges. The system will also include data visualization tools for interpreting the large quantities of data delivered by the system.
Proposal
Requirements: / 1.  Utilize the deliverable based templates (see the appendices provided or in the University Handbook)
2.  Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University Handbook.
3.  Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal Meeting Information: / Monday, March 27, 2017 1:00 – 3:00PM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Webex Information:
1. Go to https://txdot.webex.com/txdot/j.php?MTID=m18a41d58c349f4a7137855fdd8353de8
2. If requested, enter your name and email address.
3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: RwUc6FNR
4. Click "Join".
Teleconference information:
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-855-437-3563(US)
Conference Code: 732 576 156
Notifying RTI of Intent to Propose: / In order to be notified if additional project information is distributed by TxDOT, you must contact RTI, at (512) 416-4730 or by April 3, 2017, if you plan to propose.
Proposal
Deadline: / Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, May 11, 2017. Email submissions should be sent to .

Project Statement 18-28