Sensors in Marquette Universityâs Engineer Hall provide students with an interactive learning center.
https://csengineermag.com/article/smart-structures-if-walls-could-talk/
I would like to give a special thanks to all those who contributed to the success of  this project.
Special thanks to the Penny Write, Tommy Glicker, Chris Davis, Rob Reichmeider, and the rest of the NI Team for allowing us to take part in your DAQ pavilion at NIWeek 2016. See you next spring!
MILFORD, OHâ Integrated Test & Measurement (ITM) announces a âSmart Buildingâ program in partnership with Marquette University. This unique initiative allows next generation structural engineers to perform large-scale experiments and obtain real-time results using data collected on the very building in which they are learning. ITM was selected to provide the technology and services for the program.
Powerful Software â Powerful Results
The system is powered by ITMâs configurable iTestSystem software platform. The software allows users to organize, acquire and view important engineering data using National Instruments (NI) hardware. Using iTestSystem, a building monitoring system was created to collect data from a weather station together with more than 120 strain gauge sensors installed along beams, braces and columns inside the Engineering Hall at Marquette University.
The system not only measures wind speed on the five story structure; it can actually âfeelâ the wind load during gusts and record its impact on the facility. Data is broadcast in real time to anyone plugged into the servers through their mobile device. Observing the data allows students to understand how a buildingâs systems âshare lateral loadâ during wind events. In addition, instruments along support beams in the Engineering Materials and Structural Testing lab allow students to analyze moving loads as the crane moves around the bay. At the same time floor sensors measure the impact of people moving through the building. This information will impact future building design and potential building code modifications.
For more information, visit https://3.133.116.34
One of the ways ITM sets itself apart is that our engineers donât flinch when it comes to finding creative ways to make tough measurements.
For example, as you can see in this video, we have begun using our in-house 3D printer to customize plastic collars â embedded with sensors and transmitters â which allow us to wirelessly measure torque on rotating machinery.
In this example, weâre recording a signal as the drill bit enters the wood, but the same solution allows us to model and print a larger fixture to measure the stresses on an industrial drive shaft or other piece of rotating equipment.
Where once we might have turned to an area machine shop to mill a similar type collar, we can now model an even more precise tool and print it out overnight â saving valuable time and at a fraction of the cost.
3D Printing is just one more example of how ITM uses cutting-edge tools and new technology to solve problems.
â ITM President Tim Carlier
Keeping up with more than a million pounds of plastic pellets a year would seem a near impossible task.
But at ITM, weâve developed a wireless strain based monitoring solution to help manufacturers â particularly those in the injection mold business â easily alter existing storage silos to keep a more accurate eye on the levels of dry goods contained in them.
Industry partners report the difficulty of keeping exact measurements of the amount of ever-changing raw materials they have stored in on-site silos. With our solution, however, weâve removed the guesswork with a system that wonât require manufacturers to go through costly structural modifications.
As we demonstrate in this video, we are able to build a measurement system that will report silo levels by using strain gauge sensors, a wireless signal transmitter and a remote signal receiver. Notice in the lab test, as the valve is opened and the water begins to drain, the signals on the user interface respond accordingly as the values decrease. Though a seemingly simple test, I’m convinced the results hold important real-world implications.
Similarly, we think manufacturers will value being able to monitor multiple silos from a single customized interface and ultimately maintain efficiencies and keep their production lines humming.
â ITM President Tim Carlier
ITM provides software development, structural and mechanical testing services, industrial monitoring, strain gauging, and data analysis solutions to clients on six continents. ITM is a recognized National Instruments Gold Alliance Partner.
