As maintenance and management of existing facilities and structures are gaining 
increasing importance, a cause of concern is the shortage of labor needed for 
this maintenance work. Learn how Toshiba's newly developed system for 
structural health monitoring by using sensors helps visualize the interior 
health of structures and allows for efficient and comprehensive inspections.

For the full multimedia release, click here: 
https://www.prnasia.com/mnr/toshiba_202002.shtml

Photo-https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200120/2696740-1-a
(Kazuo Watabe, Chief Research Scientist, Mechanical Systems Laboratory, 
Corporate Research & Development Center, Toshiba Corporation)

Photo-https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200120/2696740-1-b
(Takashi Usui, Research Scientist, Mechanical Systems Laboratory, Research & 
Development Div., Toshiba Corporation (at the time of the interview))

Photo-https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200120/2696740-1-c
(Overview of AE measurement for bridges)

Photo-https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200120/2696740-1-d
(Verification of analytical results through actual samples of the bridge deck)

Detecting hidden internal damage

Conventional inspection methods of bridges rely on direct visual checks and 
hammer tests, and judgments are made based on experience and intuition. Bridges 
with a certain level of deterioration can be hard to distinguish, with no 
discernible changes in the surface and the sound. With an increase in both the 
number and length of bridges over the years, this inspection method is becoming 
increasingly unrealistic.

The most significant aspect of Toshiba's structural health monitoring system is 
the brand-new sensing technology, which allows the system to visualize damage 
on the inside of the concrete, in areas where workers cannot see directly, and 
determine the level of deterioration. This technology provides the opportunity 
to prioritize bridges that needs urgent maintenance, and helps better the use 
of limited labor and budget.

The new sensing technology is elastic waves, a wave emitted by miniscule forms 
of damage in structures. The vibrations induced when a vehicle drives on the 
bridge causes several dozen to several hundred kHz worth of elastic waves to be 
emitted from cracks in the structures. The sensor measures these waves from 
where it is attached to the deck of the bridge, using a test called AE Method.

Toshiba sees potential in applying the AE method to roads, buildings, and even 
large-scale industrial machinery. For now, Toshiba will carry out verification 
tests, gather data, and improving system reliability, with an aim to reduce 
labor and cost for the maintenance of social infrastructure.


SOURCE Toshiba Corporation