Abstract
This paper presents the most recent advances in the development of a self powered wireless sensor network for steel and
concrete bridges monitoring and prognosis. This five-year cross-disciplinary project includes development and
deployment of a 4-channel acoustic emission wireless node powered by structural vibration and wind energy harvesting
modules. In order to accomplish this ambitious goal, the project includes a series of tasks that encompassed a variety of
developments such as ultra low power AE systems, energy harvester hardware and especial sensors for passive and
active acoustic wave detection. Key studies on acoustic emission produced by corrosion on reinforced concrete and by
crack propagation on steel components to develop diagnosis tools and models for bridge prognosis are also a part of the
project activities. It is important to mention that the impact of this project extends beyond the area of bridge health
monitoring. Several wireless prototype nodes have been already requested for applications on offshore oil platforms,
composite ships, combat deployable bridges and wind turbines. This project was awarded to a joint venture formed by
Mistras Group Inc, Virginia Tech, University of South Carolina and University of Miami and is sponsored through the
NIST-TIP Grant #70NANB9H007.
