Project Summary

Infrastructure in the United States is currently confronting critical demand and supply challenges. A significant number of existing highway bridges have reached the end of their service life, while the load on these structures has significantly increased due to rising traffic volumes and impacts from both manmade and natural hazards. Among bridge components, substructures—including supports and joints—are particularly vulnerable to extreme thermal fluctuations, the use of harsh deicers during prolonged winter conditions, and increased truck loads in New England. Damage to supports and joints poses significant risks to public safety, potentially leading to severe structural failures.
To address these issues, the objective of this project is to develop a deployable wireless sensor specifically designed for monitoring expansion joints, thereby enhancing safety in the New England region. To achieve this overarching goal, we established four distinct research tasks: (1) to investigate current joint monitoring practices in New England through consultations with practitioners, (2) to develop a wireless joint monitoring system that utilizes real-time communication, (3) to validate and optimize the monitoring system, and (4) to deploy the developed system on a field bridge and data collection.

Final Report Embargoed, email shinae.jang@uconn.edu or tidc.ascc@maine.edu for more information, latest quarterly report available below.