TIDC Research Represented at the USDOT Future of Innovation Summit
On August 13-15, representatives from TIDC traveled to Washington DC to participate in the inaugural USDOT Future of Innovation Summit, a first-ever showcase of University Transportation Center (UTC) implemented research. With over 400 transportation professionals in attendance to present their own research, it was a highly educational week of networking and learning.
TIDC was fortunate to have five presentations during the event:
– A research poster on Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing Applications for Transportation Infrastructure by Dr. Roberto-Lopez Anido of UMaine. This poster overviewed TIDC’s work in additive manufacturing for transportation applications, focusing on three research projects; 3D Printed Formwork for Railroad Bridge Precast Concrete Ballast Retainers, Culvert Rehabilitation Using 3D Printed Diffusers, and Strengthening Degraded RI Bridges Using 3D-Printed Composite Materials
– A research poster on the UMaine-patented Continuous Forming Machine and Field Bendable Thermoplastic Rebar by ASCC researcher Cody Sheltra. This presentation described the manufacturing process, its benefits, and the CFM’s capabilities. Included were sample thermoplastic rebar segments.
– A research poster on Transformational Monitoring and Capacity Assessment – Durable, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective R&D by Dr. Tzuyang Yu of UMass Lowell. This presentation focused on TIDC’s research in Sensing Textiles for Distributed Long-term Bridge Monitoring including case studies and data assessment.
– A lecturn presentation on the development and successful deployment of FRP Composite Tub Girders by Dr. Bill Davids of UMaine.
– A live static model demo of a 6ft x 6ft cross-section of the Twin Bridge in Hampden, ME, which uses FRP Composite Tub Girders by the TIDC team along with Ken Sweeney, President of AIT Composites.
See below for the posters and photos from the event.
