Universities in MI Awarded Grant for Bridge Scour Research
Dayton, OH, December 5, 2008 - Wayne State University and Lawrence Technological University were recently awarded a research grant to collect field-scale data related to bridge scour. The grant was awarded by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The goal of the research effort is to reduce uncertainty associated with scour prediction models. Generally, scour uncertainty is accounted for by over-predicting scour depth. When this occurs, unnecessary costs can accumulate for over-engineering the bridge structure. Reducing uncertainty will help reduce the cost of bridge construction without sacrificing safety.
Proper bridge design is dependent on many factors. One factor is a proper estimate of expected scour around the bridge piers and abutments. Local accelerations of the river as it passes through a constricted bridge opening causes scour, and the design of the bridge must account for it.
The Wayne State and Lawrence Tech research team selected NexSens real-time data logger with cellular telemetry to collect and analyze bridge scour data in near real-time. A Tritech Micron Echo Sounder was mounted at the site to measure the depth to the riverbed, and a NexSens AccuStage vented pressure transducer was selected to measure the changes in water level.
Bridge scour data is collected once per hour and transmitted via cellular telemetry back to the project computer running iChart Software. The results are stored on a network storage device shared between the universities and project sponsor.
For more information on the latest in environmental data logging and software technology, contact Paul Nieberding or visit www.nexsens.com.
About NexSens Technology - Recognizing the need for real-time environmental data, NexSens Technology, Inc was started in 1999 and is quickly becoming the preferred supplier for environmental researchers. The company's unique focus on water quality and weather sensors gives researchers valuable system features and capabilities not found in generic data logging equipment.
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