Automated manufacturing of smart tunnel segment

Abstract

This project aim to robotically deploy vibrating wireless strain gauges (VWSG) into small scale steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) tunnel segment making it smart. The VWSGs connected to an autonomous wireless node can establish ad-hoc modular networks with other smart segments and the segment properties can be tracked through their whole lifecycle. The main objective pursued are: (i) the design, the implementation, and the performance assessment of the robotic process of installing the sensors; (ii) the design, the fabrication and the mechanical testing of smart segment under cyclical loadings.