New way to assess bridges wins Innovation Award

New technology developed by Adriana Trias, Ph.D., received an Innovation Award during the 2023 TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo held in Washington, D.C., in June. 

The annual event highlights research advances from organizations and universities all over the world, offering opportunities for researchers to meet potential investors. For more than 20 years, the conference has showcased more than 20,000 innovations, helping innovators get their ideas, designs and technologies to the commercial market.

Trias, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, received the award for her innovation, “Wireless Approach for Vibration Estimation of Structures (WAVES).” 

Using a mobile LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device mounted on a stationary platform, the technology uses lasers to collect thousands of measurements and record vibrations, allowing engineers to better assess the structural integrity of a bridge or overpass. 

“Current structural health monitoring sensors are limited to single-point data collection and, given the scale of the examined structures, the evaluation is often restricted to the main components,” Trias said. “This technology allows us to capture the full-field behavior of constructed systems, opening the door for deeper analysis and a better forecast of the structure's performance.”

“We are very excited about this recognition and the impact it will have on structural health monitoring of bridges,” said Kauser Jahan, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. “Dr. Trias brings much-needed expertise in bridge engineering and we are certain that her research will have a major impact on the future of bridge design and maintenance.”