ILLINOIS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

ITRC PROJECT IVD-H1, FY 04

DETERMINING THE STATE OF THE PRACTICE IN STRUCTURE HEALTH MONITORING

KEYWORDS: Bridge inspection, structural integrity, monitoring systems

RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

Deterioration of structures is typically a slow but persistent process and occasionally a sudden and unexpected occurrence. Early signs of deterioration are often not seen because they are masked by concrete, some type of deck overlay, paint, protective wrap or other bridge components. Visual inspections identify significant changes to bridges, but the condition of structural elements that are not immediately visible to inspectors may go undetected until a critical state of deterioration is reached. Inspections provide the current determining factors for programming the structure for repair, rehabilitation, or replacement. Earlier detection of deficiencies and intervention may save significant amounts of money and time in completing the repair and avoid critical situations requiring the diversion of traffic.

Past experimentation with monitoring structures involved expensive, elaborate systems requiring installation of strain gauges and data collection systems for evaluation. These systems were not always reliable and were easily damaged by the elements. At present, there is no synthesis of monitoring systems that provides information on types of systems available along with data related to their cost and performance. Such information is needed for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to effectively evaluate the suitability and usefulness of monitoring systems on specific bridges.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to evaluate and recommend bridge monitoring systems that will be used by IDOT to cost-effectively and reliably measure and monitor structure health. The research will focus on gathering information from a wide variety of sources to provide a synthesis of the systems currently available and report their respective performance capabilities and histories. Field evaluation of a select group of systems will be done to verify serviceability and reliability.

The research should identify monitoring systems applicable to both routine (e.g. concrete and steel multi-girder, and cast-in-place slab bridges) and unique structures (e.g. cable-stayed, tied arch, and truss bridges). Systems should be applicable to both new construction and reconstruction projects, and provide information on both the structural elements and the bridge deck. Systems should be identified that are capable of providing monitoring of unique structures with load carrying elements that cannot be visually inspected. Each system’s capabilities and limitations, initial installation costs, costs for maintaining the system, susceptibility to damage, reliability, accuracy of collected data, ease of relocation and extent of past and current use should be identified. The research should investigate what other states and other government entities are using for evaluation and monitoring of routine and critical or unique structures. The history and experience that other agencies have had with the various monitoring systems identified during the project should be provided.

DELIVERABLES

The researcher will devise a research plan to produce the following deliverables:

1) Produce a comprehensive review of scholarly and vendor literature regarding structural health monitoring systems and non-destructive testing technologies. The review should include systems currently available as well as emerging technologies. The review must document, at a minimum, the functionality of the system, initial and maintenance costs, durability and service life, portability and ease of use, history of use in other states or countries, and photographs of installed systems.

2) Based on the results of Deliverable 1, recommend the most promising new technologies for further evaluation, including a detailed plan and equipment required for such evaluation, and a description of the rationale used for decision-making in the selection of these technologies. Summarize the results in an Interim Report submitted to the project Technical Review Panel (TRP).

3) Based on the results of Deliverables 1 and 2 and in cooperation with the TRP, select a maximum of six systems for review and evaluate through field visits. Conduct the field evaluations in conjunction with vendors, other state DOT personnel, consultants, or project owners discovered during the literature review. Summarize the results of the visits in an Interim Report submitted to the project TRP.

4) Prepare a final report including a summary of all research efforts and findings, including recommendations regarding technology, methodology, and data flow for an improved bridge inspection and assessment program in Illinois.

The researcher will prepare Interim Reports/Technical Memorandum for the Deliverables as noted and a final report summarizing the findings and including all pertinent data and presentation materials as appendices. The project schedule included in the proposal shall include the proposed timing for delivery of the Interim Reports/Technical Memorandum to the project Technical Review Panel and 15-day review periods for each. Quarterly Reports are required as noted in the attached FY 04 Proposal Guidelines. The Final Report is due 60 days prior to the end date of the project contract (see Proposal Guidelines).

PROJECT TIME AND COST

This project will not exceed twenty-four months for completion at an ITRC/IDOT cost not to exceed $180,000 (total project cost = ITRC/IDOT contract cost plus a minimum of 15% of the total project cost as University Match). The ITRC/IDOT cost will include an amount of $30,000 for purchase or lease of equipment for the field evaluation identified and approved by the TRP in Deliverable 5. Equipment purchased as part of this project will remain the property of IDOT unless the TRP determines that is in the best interest of IDOT for the equipment to remain with the University. Researchers may select a project start date no earlier than May 16, 2004, and no later than August 16, 2004. Award of the contract is subject to the availability of funding as determined by the IDOT Executive Board.

MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2004, at the IDOT headquarters building in Springfield, third floor Conference Room (Room 342). All researchers interested in submitting a proposal are required to attend or send an authorized representative to this meeting. Proposals will not be accepted from researchers who themselves or their representatives do not attend this meeting. Researchers must contact the ITRC Administrator via e-mail no later than 5 working days prior to the meeting to indicate their intention of attending.

CONTACTS

IDOT CONTACT ITRC CONTACT

D. Carl Puzey Dianne H. Kay or Steven J. Hanna

IDOT Office of Bridges and Structures Illinois Transportation Research Center

2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 233 Campus Box 1803

Springfield, IL 62764 Edwardsville, IL 62026-1803

Phone: (217) 785-4511 Phone: (618) 650-2972

E-mail:puzeydc@nt.dot.state.il.us E-mail:dkay@siue.edu, shanna@siue.edu

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Proposals are to be submitted electronically (see Proposal Guidelines) and must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2004.

ILLINOIS TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

FY 04

INTRODUCTION

The Illinois Transportation Research Center (ITRC) is a public-private-university joint cooperative transportation research unit financed through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The purpose of the Center is to conduct research in all modes of transportation to provide the knowledge and technology base to improve the capacity to meet the present and future mobility needs of individuals, industry and commerce of the State of Illinois. The research conducted by the Center shall include both short-term applied research in support of sponsor needs and basic research aimed at providing new tools, technology, materials and analysis techniques in the various modes and areas of transportation.

The Objectives of the Center are:

· To provide a Center to conduct high-quality transportation research involving governmental, educational and private agencies

· To take a lead role in transportation research nationally and internationally

· To provide opportunities for interdisciplinary exchanges through research, seminars, symposia and informal meetings

· To provide for expansion and further development of transportation research in colleges and universities in Illinois

· To expand research and educational opportunities for transportation students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at colleges and universities throughout Illinois

· To provide for the transfer of knowledge among transportation elements

· To advise and assist government, education and private agencies on issues related to transportation.

To meet the FY 04 Objectives, the Illinois Transportation Research Center has prepared requests for research proposals on several topics including bridge inspection and assessment, construction work zone operational issues, and nighttime construction issues. At this time, research proposals are requested for the following projects:

· Determining the State of the Practice in Structure Health Monitoring

· Establishing an Economic and Land Use Evaluation Framework for Commuter Park-and-Ride Facilities

· Nighttime Construction: Evaluation of Lighting Glare for Highway Construction Operations in Illinois

PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

To conform with IDOT contract format guidelines and for electronic submission, the following format is required.

Document must be in Microsoft Word

File Size – limited to one (1) MB and must be one document

Font Type – Arial, Font Size – 11

Margins – one (1) inch

Do not indent paragraphs and provide two spaces between paragraphs

Section Headings – All caps, underlined: Arial, 12 (no bolding)

No abbreviations – acronyms such as IDOT, ITRC, etc. may be used

No photographs (to minimize file size)

Tables and Figures should be limited and must be part of the single document file

The proposal format and content shall include:

A. A proposal summary not to exceed five (5) pages in length, including:

1. A clear statement of the scope of the research study, statement of work, and objective(s).

2. A listing of specific research tasks (Task A, Task B, etc.) with a summary of methodology.

3. A listing of specific project deliverables (in addition to the statements as shown in the example).

4. A timeline, as per the attached example, which must include sixty days for final report review. The Project Start Date may be considered as August 16, 2004 (the beginning of the fall semester) for the purpose of the timeline.

5. A statement regarding project coordination.

B. A description of the proposed research not to exceed fifteen (15) pages including:

1. Introduction and problem statement.

2. Objective(s) of the research.

3. Proposed techniques and methodology, using specific examples of proposed techniques.

4. Analytical techniques and procedures, using specific examples.

5. Project deliverables.

6. Form of results for presentation.

C. A budget per attached example. The line items will include:

1. Personnel Salaries:

· List senior personnel (faculty) by name and other personnel with percent time and wage rate or hourly rate as appropriate.

· List technicians by name or “skill” with respective percent time, or hours and dollar rate.

· List graduate assistants and their respective percent time and dollar rate.

· List student workers and their respective hours and dollar rate.

2. Fringe Benefits – list all fringe benefits and their respective percentage (include base) or dollar rate.

3. Equipment – Identify equipment by name and function with estimated cost per item. Justification for the need to purchase or fabricate any equipment for the project must be given in the Budget Narrative. Equipment purchased or fabricated as part of this project will become the property of the University upon acceptance of the Final Report by the Illinois Transportation Research Center unless specifically identified in the project Request-For-Proposal as remaining the property of IDOT. NOTE: THE PURCHASE OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS WITH PROJECT FUNDS IS NOT ALLOWED UNDER IDOT POLICY.

4. Travel – list specifics including number of trips, destination, purpose, estimated cost per trip detailing per diem, transportation, etc.

5. Commodities

6. Contractual Services

7. Computer Time – provide information on established university computer time rates, etc.

8. Other Direct Costs (list)

9. Indirect Costs (percentage and base)

10. University Matching Costs at 15% of Total Project Costs (minimum)

D. Budget Narrative – A narrative budget explanation shall be included and shall describe the proposed involvement of the principal researchers in supervision, directing research, report writing, etc.; the proposed roles for graduate students and student workers including percent time or hours; existing university resources committed to the project including equipment; justification for any equipment expenses including both purchased and fabricated equipment and how the equipment will be used; identify the need for travel including number of trips and estimated cost per trip; specify types of commodities required; justification for contractual services including any non-university personnel, equipment leases, and other services so classified; and an explanation of any charges for computer time.

The ITRC Research Committee has adopted the following policy with regard to non-university consultants:

“The use of consultants from the private sector on ITRC research projects is to be kept to a minimum in complying with the mission of ITRC support for university research. In some situations where it can be demonstrated that research expertise is not available in the university research community, consultants may be used; however, their use will normally be limited to a maximum of 20% of the personnel line item budget. All requests for use of an outside consultant must be justified in the budget explanation.”

E. References not to exceed two (2) pages.

F. A statement of professional experience or vitae for each principal researcher with each not to exceed three (3) pages in length, including publications.

CONTRACT PERIOD

The contract period will start with the effective date of each contract and continue on an individual contract basis as specified in the respective RFP. The contract period must include a 60-day time period for review of the final report. ITRC projects are funded under the Grant provisions of IDOT. In 30ILCS705/5 of the Illinois Grant Recovery Act, it specifically states that no grant funds may be made available for expenditure by a grantee for a period longer than two (2) years. All Deliverables for ITRC projects are due and funding will terminate as of the contract end date specified in the individual project contract and in no case shall exceed two (2) years. There will be no contract extensions past the two (2) year limit. Failure to provide Reports or Deliverables in a timely manner may be considered non-compliance and cause for contract termination and loss of funding.

REPORTS

Quarterly Reports: Quarterly progress reports describing the activities during the quarter with respect to the specific tasks identified in the project summary are required. The reports are to be a concise summary of the progress to date and must contain a statement indicating the overall percentage completion of the project. The reports are due within five (5) working days of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The reports are to be sent electronically to all Technical Review Panel members and ITRC. The Technical Review Panel may call a meeting with the researcher to monitor progress on the project after each quarterly report.

Interim Reports/Technical Memorandum: Interim Reports and/or Technical Memorandum will be due within 15 days of the completion of the Tasks included in the report requirements as given in the RFP and defined in the project timeline. The Technical Review Panel may call a meeting to review the contents of each Interim Report or Technical Memorandum with the researcher.

Final Report: Research shall be completed and the final report submitted in its completed form to the Illinois Transportation Research Center for review no later than sixty (60) days prior to the end date of the contract. The project Technical Review Panel shall have up to thirty (30) days for review and the researcher thirty (30) days to respond and submit a final copy of the report. The final copy must be an original in camera ready form and be accompanied by a CD disc with the report in both Word and PDF formats.

MATCHING REQUIREMENT

For FY 04 the university matching requirements are at least 15% of the total project costs (total project costs equal ITRC/IDOT portion plus University Match).

INVOICES

Billings must include the same line items as the submitted budget showing the approved budget amount, current expenditures, cumulative expenditures, and remaining balance for both the ITRC/IDOT contract amount and the University Match. Supporting documentation in the form of official university printouts must be included for all charges including those in the match. A maximum of 85% of the ITRC project costs will be paid prior to acceptance of the Final Report by the project Technical Review Panel and ITRC. A revised budget must be submitted to ITRC for approval if any line item exceeds the budget estimate by ten (10) percent. The ITRC may periodically ask for backup information on billings in line with usual accounting practices.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Each research proposal submitted will be evaluated on:

A. How the proposed research meets the Center Objectives,

B. Techniques and methodology,

C. Resources including staff, and

D. Cost

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Proposals must be submitted electronically to the Illinois Transportation Research Center at dkay@siue.edu and are due no later than Monday, March 1, 2004.

Only complete proposals received prior to 4:30 p.m. local time on Monday, March 1, 2004, will be considered.

EXAMPLE SUMMARY

The scope of this research study, Transportation Mode Systems, is to develop and evaluate a system that can function successfully as a transportation mode organized system. Both laboratory and field investigations will be involved to determine the effectiveness of the system. Influencing factors such as position, traffic direction, and system capacity will be evaluated. An important factor in the success of such a system is its effectiveness in both daytime and nighttime situations.

The specific research tasks are:

Task A: Evaluation of Existing Systems – Numerous types of systems now available for transportation mode use will be evaluated and a broad ranges of innovative new systems that could be adapted to transportation mode will be investigated. An Interim Report will be submitted to the project Technical Review Panel.

Task B: Laboratory Development and Evaluation – In this research task, a system that can be easily identified both in the daytime and at night will be developed and evaluated through laboratory experimentation and evaluation.

Task C: Fabrication of Prototype System – One or more prototype systems from the laboratory development and evaluation task will be prepared for field trial in consultation with the project Technical Review Panel. A Technical Memorandum summarizing the results of Tasks B and C will be submitted to the project Technical Review Panel.

Task D: Primary Field Evaluation – The system will be subjected to primary field evaluation through vehicle operators based at the University. The influence of position, traffic direction, and system capacity will be evaluated.

Task E: Final Report – A final report on research Tasks A, B, C, and D will be completed and delivered to ITRC for distribution to the project Technical Review Panel.

Deliverables: The project deliverables include the Interim Report, the Technical Memorandum, the Final Report, and Quarterly Reports. Quarterly Reports are due within 5 working days of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year of the study. Interim Reports and Technical Memorandum are due 15 days after the task completion and final reports are due 60 days prior to the contract end date.

(List and briefly define each of the Deliverables)

Example Timeline: The project tasks will require 24 months for completion as shown below.

Months	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Task A

Interim Report

Task B

Task C

Technical Memo

Task D

Task E

Final Report Review