Use of Remote Structural Tap Testing Devices Deployed via Ground Vehicle for Health Monitoring of Transportation...

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Materials Science
• Robotics

Background:

• Aging transportation infrastructure necessitates effective preservation strategies.
• Current maintenance budgets are insufficient for comprehensive infrastructure upkeep.
• Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is crucial for prioritizing repairs and maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, low-cost acoustic monitoring system for SHM.
• To develop and validate a robotic tap testing device for detecting structural defects.
• To enhance the accessibility and efficiency of non-destructive testing methods for infrastructure.

Main Methods:

• Development of a low-cost, cyber-physical system for acoustic tap testing.
• Utilizing a remotely operated robotic platform for SHM device deployment.
• Non-destructive evaluation of structural and mechanical surfaces to identify deterioration.

Main Results:

• The robotic tap testing system effectively detects signs of deterioration in structural surfaces.
• The developed system offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional SHM methods.
• Remote technology integration reduces deployment challenges and inspector dependency.

Conclusions:

• The robotic tap testing system provides a viable, low-cost solution for infrastructure SHM.
• This technology democratizes access to advanced monitoring, aiding smaller agencies and communities.
• Further research and validation will expand the application of this innovative SHM tool.