Detection of Water and Ice on Bridge Structures by AC Impedance and Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy - FY08 NATSRL
Principal Investigator:
John Evans, Professor, UMD-Chemistry and Biochemistry
Project Summary:
This research aims to develop low-cost sensing systems for monitoring ice and water on bridge deck surfaces. These sensing systems are based on the measurement of impedance of the sensor in contact with or close proximity to ice, water, or aqueous solutions of deicing chemicals. The researchers will explore two alternative technologies: impedance analysis at lower frequencies will determine the presence of deicing electrolyte solutions (a sort of "conductivity measurement"), while high-frequency dielectric relaxation using time domain reflectometry will probe the physical state of precipitation and deicing chemicals on the deck or road surface (via dielectric relaxation). In both approaches, the methodologies will use low-cost electrodes in the impedance analysis schemes.
Sponsors:
- ITS Institute (RITA)
Project Details:
- Start date: 06/2007
- Project Status: Completed
- Research Area: Transportation Safety and Traffic Flow