Date of Award
Summer 6-10-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctorate in Interdisiplinary Engineering
Department
Interdisiplinary Engineering
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Tien Yee
Second Advisor
Dr. Benjamin Klein
Third Advisor
Dr. Metin Oguzmert
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Mahyar Amirgholy
Abstract
The gradual erosion of the sediment around a bridge foundation is called Scour. This erosion is caused by water flow and increases during times of high-water flow such as flooding. The scour leaves the bridges structurally unsound over time and jeopardizes the safety of the structure. Approximately 60 percent of bridge failures in the United States are caused by scour. A variety of types of devices have been used to detect scour. Most of these devices only observe the scour and not the structural integrity of the bridge. The typical approach has relied on visual inspections of the bridges after flooding. This approach provides an incorrect estimate of pre-existing scour and its effects on the bridge foundation as well as a posing a safety concern to the inspection crew due to the bridge’s integrity. The goal of this research is to development, test and field implement a new type of vibration-based sonar sensor system that will not only detect scour but will observe the bridge’s health. This system will provide remote data monitoring capabilities which will help inspectors assist with making time crucial maintenance decisions.