Structural performance and health monitoring of military composite smart bridges

This research study aims at investigating structural performance and evaluating a novel advanced structural health monitoring for military composite bridges. The use of advanced composites in such applications has many benefits that allow for rapid mobility and erection at hostile battle field environments.;This study provides a comprehensive structural assessment of three composite bridge prototypes; namely: (i) Composite Army Bridge (CAB), (ii) Modular Composite Bridge (MCB) and (iii) Smart Composite Bridge (SCB).;In addition, a structural health monitoring (SHM) protocol with an advanced diagnostic/prognostic system (DPS) has been developed to ensure safety and reliability of such bridges. The integration of the DPS technology into the SHM protocol allows for gathering real-time diagnostic data and providing instantaneous prognostic field repair recommendations.;Another unique feature of the current system is the seamless integration of advanced sensing technology into the architecture of structural health monitoring to continuously monitor the performance of existing, repaired and retrofitted structures.;The study is divided into three integrated parts that includes: (i) Analysis and design of light-weight composite smart bridges with electronic nerve system, (ii) Development of SHM-DPS, and (iii) Development of field repair protocol for military bridges. In the first part of the study, Classical Lamination Theory (CLT) and Finite Element (FE) progressive failure analysis were used to select optimum materials and to determine both serviceability and ultimate capacity of such bridges. The outcomes of the proposed study provide genuine methodology for optimum design of composite bridges. Another major contribution is the application of progressive failure analysis and virtual testing using state-of-the-art GENOA software allowing for accurate predictions of bridge performance. The study developed a comprehensive field repair manual that can be adopted by the US Army for the current and future generations of composite bridges. In developing the repair system, ultra-high modulus composites were utilized. The advanced diagnostic/prognostic system developed in this study provides a new methodology for sustainable structures that is not limited to military bridges but can cover a wide variety of infrastructural systems subject to natural and manmade extreme loading events.