The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of a Bridge Health Monitoring (BHM) System. This project aims to create a modular and scalable technology suite for real-time monitoring and assessment of various types of military and commercial bridges, enhancing operational readiness and lifespan predictions through advanced sensors and secure data communication. The BHM system is critical for improving bridge assessment methods, which currently rely on outdated techniques, and will ultimately support military readiness by providing actionable insights into bridge health. Interested parties can submit Phase I proposals with a funding limit of $250,000, due by July 9, 2025, following a preliminary xTechIgnite prize competition. For more details, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

The Bridge Health Monitoring (BHM) project will develop a robust, modular, and scalable technology suite for real-time monitoring and assessment of military and commercial bridge health. This integrated system will empower battlefield commanders and sustainers by providing actionable insights into bridge readiness and lifespan. The proposed solution should address a combination of advanced sensors, onboard storage systems, and secure communication technologies to achieve the following objectives:&nbsp;1. Types of BridgesThe BHM system must prioritize adaptability to a variety of bridge types. These include:<ul><li>Portable All-Metal Bridges: Commonly used in military operations, these structures require rapid deployment capabilities and sensors that can withstand frequent assembly, disassembly, and storage.</li><li>Composite Bridges: Combining concrete and metal, these structures are often used for their durability and lightweight properties.</li><li>Reinforced Concrete Bridges: Found in both military and civilian applications, these bridges are vulnerable to environmental factors such as corrosion and require monitoring for cracks and stress.</li><li>Suspension and Cable-Stayed Bridges: Complex commercial structures where cable tension and tower integrity are critical monitoring points.</li><li>Precast Modular Bridges: Often used for temporary or emergency infrastructure, these bridges benefit from scalable monitoring solutions for varying sizes and configurations.</li></ul>2. &nbsp;Real-time and Periodic MonitoringThe BHM system will monitor key indicators of structural integrity, including stress, fatigue, and damage, through a modular sensor suite. While real-time communication may be beneficial for specific use cases (e.g., commercial highway bridges), the primary focus is on:<ul><li>Onboard Storage: Capturing and securely storing critical data directly on the bridge.</li><li>Periodic Data Retrieval: Allowing personnel, vehicles, or UAVs to retrieve stored data as needed, minimizing security risks and operational costs associated with trackable continuous transmissions.</li><li>Future Adaptability: Ensuring the system design allows for the potential of wireless communication integration in future phases if operational needs evolve.</li></ul>3. &nbsp;Predictive Analytics and Storage MonitoringIn addition to operational bridges, the BHM system must maintain information on the health of portable bridges during storage. This capability ensures readiness for deployment. Predictive analytics should incorporate:<ul><li>Usage data, including crossings and load impacts, are recorded before storage.</li><li>Modular components enable cost-effective monitoring and allow reusable components to be deployed elsewhere once the portable bridge is stored.</li></ul>4. &nbsp;Indefinite Data Storage and ManagementThe system must include a robust mechanism for the indefinite storage of bridge health data. This includes maintaining detailed historical records of usage, environmental exposure, and maintenance activities. The solution should employ secure, scalable storage systems, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for lifecycle management and continuous improvement.&nbsp;5. &nbsp;Sensor Suite RequirementsThe sensor package must be:<ul><li>Modular: Adaptable to different bridge designs and operational needs.</li><li>Scalable: Capable of monitoring bridges of various sizes, materials, and load capacities.</li><li>Durable: Resistant to environmental stresses such as extreme temperatures, corrosion, and vibration.</li><li>Comprehensive: Equipped with advanced tools, such as strain gauges, ultrasonic sensors, fiber-optic monitoring systems, RFID readers, and AI-powered traffic classification capabilities.</li><li>Focused on Storage Data: Ensuring essential data components and other non-removable components remain with the bridge while advanced systems (e.g. communications, power) can be redeployed to other bridges still in use.</li></ul>&nbsp;6. &nbsp;Energy Efficiency and Environmental ResilienceThe solution must function autonomously with portable power sources for mobile bridges and integrate with fixed power systems for stationary bridges. Sensors must operate reliably in diverse and challenging environments, from combat zones to urban areas.&nbsp;7. &nbsp;Secure, Adaptable Data CommunicationData collected by the system will be securely transmitted when necessary. For initial feasibility, the focus is on:<ul><li>Localized, onboard data storage with retrieval options for personnel or vehicles.</li><li>Secure communication mechanisms for direct connection, selective transmission, including burst transmissions or UAV retrieval.</li><li>Flexibility for future enhancements to support continuous or real-time monitoring if required.</li></ul>IMPORTANT: A prize competition, xTechIgnite, will be used to identify small business concerns that meet the criteria for award for this topic. Winners selected from the xTechIgnite prize competition will be the only firms eligible to submit a SBIR proposal under this topic. All other proposals will not be evaluated. See the full xTechIgnite competition details here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechignite/">https://www.xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechignite/</a>.

## Objective

The current methods for assessing military bridges rely on Preventative Maintenance Check and Services (PMCS) combined with fatigue monitoring crack gauges, which have proven insufficient for accurately determining a bridge's remaining service life. This inaccuracy forces the Army to maintain a surplus of bridges to mitigate the risk of unexpected failures. Research highlights that vehicle crossings, rather than environmental factors, are the primary determinants of bridge health, with the impact varying significantly by vehicle type.To address this, the Bridge Health Monitoring (BHM) system seeks to revolutionize bridge assessment and management through an integrated approach combining advanced sensor technology, onboard data storage, and adaptable communication capabilities. By continuously monitoring and recording vehicle traffic, structural stress, and environmental conditions, the BHM system will enable precise predictions of a bridge's remaining service life. This innovation promises to reduce reliance on manual inspections, enhance situational awareness for battlefield commanders, and optimize bridge asset utilization, ensuring military readiness and operational efficiency.

## Phase I

This topic is only accepting Phase I proposals for a cost up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance. Phase I of the Bridge Health Monitoring (BHM) project will culminate in a comprehensive report that explores the various aspects of the system. The report will provide an in-depth analysis of the sensor technologies evaluated for potential use in the solution, including the selected sensors and the rationale behind their choice. The study will also delve into the critical aspects of bridge health communication, power supply, and data management. Specifically, it will address how bridge health information will be transmitted to Commanders and Maintainers in an electronically monitored environment, ensuring seamless integration and situational awareness without undue risk. Additionally, the report will outline the power supply requirements for the BHM system and propose a solution for maintaining bridge health data continuity, regardless of whether the bridge is deployed or stored in a facility. While the primary focus of the SBIR is on developing a BHM solution for the Heavy Assault Scissor Bridge (HASB), the Phase I investigation will also examine the potential for commonality across Army Bridge systems. The study will identify the essential components that must remain with a bridge and those that could be removed and adapted for use on other bridge types, thereby promoting a level of standardization and interoperability across the Army's bridge inventory. The Phase I report will provide a thorough understanding of the BHM system's requirements, capabilities, and potential for scalability, laying the foundation for the development of a robust and effective bridge health monitoring solution.

## Phase II

Phase II of the Bridge Health Monitoring (BHM) project will focus on the fabrication and testing of a prototype system, building on the research and analysis conducted in Phase I. A key aspect of this phase will be the implementation of robust cyber security measures to ensure the system's integrity and protect against potential threats.In addition to prototype development, the vendor will conduct a comprehensive sustainability assessment of the selected components to guarantee a viable path for long-term support and maintenance. This assessment will ensure that the chosen technical solutions can be supported and upgraded over time, minimizing the risk of obsolescence and ensuring the system's continued effectiveness.The prototype development process will involve the creation of off-bridge components and breadboard systems, which will be thoroughly tested and optimized to ensure seamless integration and performance. The final prototype will be designed to be compatible with the Heavy Assault Scissor Bridge (HASB) and will include all necessary equipment to function as proposed. In collaboration with the PdM Bridging team and the GVSC Bridge Technology Lab, the prototype will undergo rigorous validation and testing on a HASB to ensure its performance and accuracy. The vendor will also conduct a live demonstration of the solution at Fort Leonard Wood, showcasing its capabilities on a local bridge. The deliverables for Phase II will include two complete systems, which will support additional field evaluations and testing. These systems will provide the Army with a tangible, functional solution for monitoring bridge health, enabling more informed decision-making and improved maintenance practices.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

<ul><li>Critical Infrastructure: This full stack option can be fitted to provide the same real-time, non-invasive analysis.</li><li>Predictive Maintenance: Can provide real-time feedback on the performance of a vehicle, equipment part, etc., to save time on repairs.</li><li>Smart Cities: Allows for various sensors to track various assets at once in one single “pane of glass.”</li></ul>

Bridge Health Monitoring System

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