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IGERT-Lifechips student research report from Amber Greer
Achievement/Results
NSF Funded IGERT-Lifechips program at the University of California, Irvine presents Amber Greer, a student from the department of Civil Engineering who collaborated with a group of computer scientists both faculty and students from Hokkaido University, Japan to study the movement of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Long Beach, CA. By setting up cameras off-sight they were able to monitor the bridge by using both an applied panel and a designated spot on the structure. This was a major step forward for visual health monitoring of structures since the only program available required used designated panels, which inevitably have to be mounted on the structure. Their redesigned program made it possible for the panel to be eliminated and this technique can now be applied to any structure.
A major outcome to this research was having the ability to more accurately predict the natural frequencies of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, using Fourier spectrum analysis the camera generated a value of 0.227 Hz (at noon) and 0.229 Hz (at sunset). This project was done in two phases: first, looking at how a target panel effects the accuracy of the displacement obtained (blue line – without target, red line – with target) and second, how does monitoring at different periods of the day effect the first natural frequency of the structure. Data obtained during the morning and evening was compared in order to determine the fluctuation of the natural frequency of the bridge. Each data set calculated two different values, however the values are similar. This can be attributed to the expansion and contraction of the bridge material; the primary material composition is steel. By understanding the change in natural frequencies of the bridge, a more accurate structural stability analysis can be generated.
The collaboration has ultimately expanded the capabilities of Visual Health Monitoring. As a result, this short trip has turned into one potential joint paper and a possible study abroad opportunity. More research still needs to be done to determine the parameters of a possible trip. This includes, what other research needs to be done in order to further the capability of the Visual Health Monitoring system. Once this can be determined, a successful trip could be arranged to further the collaborative natural of this project.
Address Goals
By collaborating with researchers from Japan, Amber not only benefits from the data for her ongoing research project but also opportunities to practice communicating and reaching out to the science world. Lifechips program encourages students to expand their research community, especially to the international audience, such as attending conferences, talking to people in different fields who might make great contribution, and directly working with people from oversea to further the research progress. Also, through these experiences, students grow to be more confident in representing their research and building up their communication skills as they become leaders in the future.
