SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—Researchers at Lawrence Technological University have received a new research contract for monitoring five high-tech bridges designed with advanced materials to last a century.
The Michigan Department of Transportation awarded LTU $634,216 to expand and extend the bridges’ monitoring until Sept. 30, 2030.
The bridges were built using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFCC) prestressing strands in the prestressed concrete beams. in place of the conventional steel strands, and were instrumented with various sensors. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bridges’ advanced composite materials offer improved durability, corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratios compared to traditional steel.
Used in new construction and repairs, CFRP accelerates installation, lowers long-term maintenance costs, and extends lifespans, notably in harsh environments.
The bridges being monitored are:
The monitoring equipment uses cell phone technology to transmit data on bridge loads, strains and deformation under Michigan’s heavy traffic loads.
LTU Senior Vice President of Research Nabil Grace, PhD, PE, FESD, is principal investigator on the grant. Co-principal investigator is Mena Bebawy, PhD, PE, LTU associate professor of civil and architectural engineering.
Grace, LTU University Distinguished Professor and previously dean of the LTU College of Engineering, has spent decades researching CFRP as an innovative bridge construction material. Bebawy came to LTU over 20 years ago as a graduate student and later became a research assistant before earning his PhD from the University of Windsor and joining the LTU faculty full time. Bebawy is an associate professor in the department of civil and architectural engineering.
“So far these bridges are performing as expected, as designed,” Bebawy said. “We haven’t had any issues.”
Michigan now boasts more than a dozen prestressed concrete bridges using CFRP reinforcements, and has developed standards for using the materials that are now used nationwide.
For an MDOT video on CFRP bridges that mentions LTU, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0g8JwHvvC0.
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU, which offers communication training programs of the former Specs Howard School, and LTU’s growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.