Intelligent Renewal of Crumbling Infrastructure

Featuring Professor Maria Feng, Ph.D.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Irvine

Location: Calit2, Room 3008
Refreshments will be provided

Abstract:
Americans' quality of life and prosperity rely on elaborate civil infrastructure systems.  Unfortunately, many of these systems are aging, rapidly deteriorating, and becoming increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic failure during natural or manmade events.  Despite the urgent need for restoration, these massive systems must be renewed in a cost-effective and resource-sustainable manner.  This talk explores an intelligent renewal methodology that consists of: (1) timely detection of problems using innovative sensors, (2) reliable assessment of triage opportunities through the development of effective diagnostic and prognostic techniques, and (3) economical solutions for such problems through the use of advanced materials and technologies. 

This talk focuses on the speaker’s work on novel fiber optic sensors, vision sensors, microwave imaging technology, and vibration-based damage assessment algorithms.  They have been validated by means of large-scale experiments and field implementation in bridges and buildings.  In addition, this talk previews a new research project on trenchless rehabilitation of underground water pipes using the robotic application of carbon fiber composites.  These studies will form the foundation for a fundamental change in infrastructure maintenance and design.  Such a paradigm shift is essential if we are to address our aging and crumbling civil infrastructure effectively.

About the Speaker:
Maria Q. Feng, Ph.D., is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Irvine, with a joint appointment at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.  She is also the founding director of the Center for Advanced Monitoring and Damage Detection.  With a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tokyo, Feng joined UC Irvine in 1992.   Her research interests are primarily in safety and security of civil infrastructure systems and military armor protective systems, focusing on innovative and interdisciplinary science and technology for sensors, health monitoring, and damage assessment. 

Feng has received numerous awards and honors including a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation, and The Alfred Nobel Prize presented jointly by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME), and Western Society of Engineers (WSE).

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