Applicability of Microelectronic and Mechanical Systems (MEMS) for Transportation Infrastructure Management; Final rept. for 1 Jul 03-30 Jun 05

摘要

It will be advantageous to have information on the state of health of infrastructure at all times in order to carry out effective on-demand maintenance. With the tremendous advancement in technology, it is possible to employ devices embedded in structural members for real-time monitoring of infrastructure health. Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) are miniature sensing or actuating devices which can interact with their environment to either obtain information or alter it. With remote query capability, it appears such devices can therefore be embedded in structures to monitor distresses such as cracking. Recently the potential for application of many of the developments in the nanotechnology field in the area of transportation engineering is growing. In this report a broad overview of the potential applications of various nanotechnology developments in civil and transportation engineering field is conducted. The focus is on the potential effects that the technology may have on aspects such as bridge, pavement, and traffic engineering. The most important challenges of the implementation of MEMS into transportation infrastructures are also addressed.