Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2022-2023)

If we are to maximize the service life of civil infrastructure (e.g. schools, bridges, power lines, pipelines), it is imperative to develop better and more cost effective methods to identify internal structural damage and characterize foundation soils. I have developed a novel system based on laser technology that makes it possible, for the first time, to actually see and quantify the ultrasonic wave field in the transducers and the materials they excite. This innovative technology has the potential to reveal fundamental understanding of how ultrasonic waves are generated, propagated, and attenuated so that internal damage can be reliably detected and foundation soils can be better characterized. The three main long-term goals of my research program are to 1) advance the fundamental understanding of ultrasonic wave generation, propagation, and attenuation using state-of-the art technology, laboratory and field testing, and numerical simulations; 2) use this new understanding to develop reliable nondestructive evaluation methods (NDE) to extend the service-life and safety of existing civil infrastructure; and 3) extend the application of these new NDE methods to the dynamic characterization of foundation soils to increase the safety of new infrastructure subjected to earthquake, wind, or machine vibrations. Consequently, the short-term goals of my research program are aimed at addressing the current lack of reliability of ultrasonic testing. We will start at the root of the problem: proper characterization of the ultrasonic sensors. For this task, we will use two new synergetic developments in our experimental program: the laser system and transparent particulate materials. By seeing for the first time the ultrasonic wave field inside the specimens, we will be able to measure the real input and output ultrasonic displacements. From the real displacements, we will gain fundamental understanding of the ultrasonic wave generation, propagation, and interaction of defects inside specimens.
This research program will generate new and reliable methods that will make the Canadian industry more competitive. Our solutions will be based on robust analytical, experimental, and numerical programs. My research team has been doing pioneering work in NDE and soil dynamics for more than 15 years; as demonstrated by our publication record and the leadership roles that my graduate students have in the private and public sectors. This fact recognizes the need of nondestructive techniques for the extension of the service life of civil infrastructure - a multimillion-dollar task. The proposed research program provides fundamental knowledge that supports and complements a multi-faceted program that includes 5 PhD, 1 MSc, and 6 undergraduate students.