A recent article in the New York Times by columnist Bob Herbert discussed the issue of continuing investment in infrastructure. Following is an excerpt from the article:
“The need for investment on a large scale — and for the long term – is undeniable. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, in a study that should have gotten much more attention when it was released in 2005, it would take more than a trillion and a half dollars over a five-year period to bring the U.S. infrastructure into reasonably decent shape…”
In response to this column a letter was published, signed by the governors of Pennsylvania and California, and the mayor of New York City, that said in part:
“As state and local leaders, we are intimately aware of how critical infrastructure is to ensure our nation’s economic health, keep our families safe, and create vibrant and sustainable communities. Yet while states and cities have significantly increased infrastructure spending in recent years, federal spending has been flat. Three out of every four infrastructure dollars now come from states and cities…”
Fortunately there is a solution to the problem of balancing our budget and properly maintaining our infrastructure. The ultimate solution to this dilemma is found with Material Technologies Inc. The company makes an electronic fatigue sensor (ESF) that can quickly and cost effectively test steel structures for flaws and weaknesses. The technology is being used for three purposes: the first way is as a means of prioritizing already limited repair and rehabilitation funds, secondly as a traditional inspection tool since EFS finds cracks smaller than other technologies which leads to less expensive repairs, and lastly as a repair/retrofit verification device.
The EFS technology deployed by Material Technology has been used to test 20 different highway and railroad bridges successfully. The testing provides immediate feedback to the owner, which can most importantly lead to discontinued use of the bridge and therefore stop damage to the bridge before it gets worse. This immediate feedback and response can save money that would normally be spent to fix additional damage caused by untimely closure. This technology is not limited to just bridges, but is effect in any infrastructure made of steel and heavy iron.
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