Remote Health Monitoring for Asset Management

semi-conductor based temperature sensors developed through the research open a broad range of
possibilities for implementation of the technology. Specifics of the recommended design
parameters for such a system are included in the following section. It is anticipated that these
additional developmental steps will result in a fully implementable system for implementation
within Missouri and all other States.
Implementation Plan
The project developed a prototype instrumented pile and demonstrated the functionality of that
pile under field conditions. The technologies that were developed include a semi-conductor
based sensor array that is very low in power requirements, low cost and durable enough for field
implementation. Software was also developed to collect data from the array, and transmit that
data to a centralized database for presentation on the web. To implement this technology in the
field, the following is recommended:
• Develop a low power, small footprint data acquisition system that could be widely
implemented in the field, having the following characteristics:
o Single board computer
o Solar and/or battery power
o On-site web server to provide direct-to-the-web data
o Autonomous operation in the field
o Simple field installation by contractors
• Implement the printed circuit board technology through a commercial resource to provide
a sensor array on a flexible substrate
o Technology is commercially available with some customization
o Low cost sensors with flexible design characteristics
o Flexible sensors could be implemented in a wide variety of scenarios with
minimal development required
• Develop necessary software to provide processed data to users that reports on the earth
level of the pile, and reports changes to the earth level automatically
• Implement the technology through one or more demonstration projects
o Include embedding the sensors in a concrete pile and implementation on steel
piles as demonstrated in this project
The technical challenges/risks associated with the recommended implementation plan are
minimal, since the concepts and procedures necessary for implementation have been developed
and tested through this project. A future project to execute the proposed implementation plan
would likely include collaboration between the University and professional consultants with
proven expertise in developing and implementing remote monitoring technologies for bridges,
including on-site web servers and low-power, single-board computer applications.
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