Autoblog

Smart bridges that keep tabs on condition being developed

Michael Harley — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:31:00 EST

In an effort to prevent deadly accidents like the collapse of the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis in 2007, a project led by the University of Michigan is developing various sensing systems that will eventually lead to the development of "smart bridges." Most bridge monitoring today is done visually. Unfortunately, this type of human inspection is often unable to determine the structural health of a bridge with regards to the effects of corrosion, heavy loads, or vibrations on the structure over time.

The new five-year project, with a price tag of $19 million, will develop a sophisticated infrastructure monitoring system to be installed on several test bridges. The innovative systems include electrically-conductive concrete (changes in conductivity along the span would signal a weakness), wireless nodes to monitor unusual vibrations, and a nanotube-based "sensing skin" to detect cracks and corrosion. Sensor-laden vehicles would also travel the bridge to measure the span's reaction to heavy loads.

The real-time monitoring is beneficial, but there are more wide-scale plans for the technology. Jerome Lynch, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, says that if the program were to be rolled-out nationwide, researchers would be able to make statistical comparisons between bridges. This type of data would help engineers develop safer spans to prevent future disasters.

[Source: University of Michigan, image by UMTRI)

Smart bridges that keep tabs on condition being developed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Ford

Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Ranger

Despite dwindling sales in a dwindling segment, Ford's Ranger refuses to pack up. For 2010, the compact pickup looks unchanged on the outside, but beneath the skin it gains some new electronic gubbins to help make it more competitive.

In the main, the trucklet soldiers on into its next model year with a larger complement of standard safety equipment. Traction and stability control (AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control in Blue Oval-speak) will be built into every 2010 Ranger, along with new side airbags designed to protect the head and torso.

The rest of the package continues essentially unaltered, with Ford continuing to wave the Ranger's banner as America's most fuel-efficient pickup (the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder nets 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway).

Rumors have persisted that the Ranger might be euthanized ahead of its Twin Cities production plant's scheduled closing in 2011 - and indeed, just yesterday word came down that the truck's assembly lines will be idled for an additional two weeks due to slow sales. But the added investment in safety equipment for 2010 would seem to indicate that the Ranger is likely to soldier on until the plant's scheduled closing date. Click on the jump for Ford's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Sources: Ford Motor Company; Minneapolis Star Tribune]

Continue reading Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010

Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Horror: I-35 bridge in Minneapolis collapses into Mississippi River

Alex Nunez — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:35:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., First Drive

Earlier this evening, a bridge that's part of Interstate 35 in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River. In a scene that can only be described as horrific and catastrophic, vehicles and debris plunged into the water below. Additionally, a freight train passing underneath the bridge was struck and essentially cut in two by a falling section. According to authorities in Minnesota, at least 59 people, including 10 children, were injured. Sadly, as of this writing, 7 people have reportedly lost their lives as a result of this tragedy.

The event is being described as a structural failure and not an act of terrorism, an understandable concern at the time it occurred given the scope of the accident. Traffic at the time of the collapse (6:10 PM) was said to be bumper-to-bumper, as there was construction underway and many people were trying to get into downtown Minneapolis for the 7:10 PM Twins game at the Metrodome. Our condolences go to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery go to the injured.

UPDATE: Georges Yared, a contributor at our sister site, BloggingStocks, was in the stands at last night's Twins game. Because his son insisted on getting to the dome early to watch the Twins' BP session, he crossed the bridge a full 35 minutes before the collapse. His post at BloggingStocks provides a firsthand account of what occurred inside Metrodome as the news of the disaster spread.

[Source: MSNBC, Local TV video via YouTube]

Horror: I-35 bridge in Minneapolis collapses into Mississippi River originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miami declared tops in rude driving

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 May 2006 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Safety

Perhaps its the fact that there are thousands of doddering septuagenarians plying area roads, but Miami, Florida has just been dubbed America's least courteous drivers. Or to put a finer point on it, they've got some road rage and rude driving issues. A new AutoVantage survey of 2,000 adult commuters in 20 major cities has concluded that Miami has the worst road etiquette. The Norwalk, Connecticut company's phone survey also found a lot of negative feelings in:

Phoenix, Arizona
New York, New York
Los Angeles, California
Boston, Massachusetts

And there must be something to the whole 'Minnesota Nice' thing, as Minneapolis topped the list of friendliest commuter cities. Other top finishers included:

Nashville, Tennessee
St. Louis, Missouri
Seattle, Washington
Atlanta, Georgia

AutoVantage questioned participants on everything from obvious displays of motoring anger (middle fingers, cutting off other cars, tailgating, etc.), turn signal use, talking on the phone, and 'driving too fast.'

[Source: The Associated Press via CNN.com]

(Top Tip, Evan!)

Miami declared tops in rude driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 May 2006 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Ford plant closing in Twin Cities strike Olympic gold for Minnesota?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 01 May 2006 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

If Ford decides to broom the company's Highland Park complex in 2008 as rumored, the Twin Cities want to be ready. Instead of Blue Ovals, local officials are thinking Olympic rings.

The truck plant is being floated as being one of the potential locations that might help entice Minnesotans make a bid for the 2016 or 2020 Olympics. The factory was part of a list pitched to city officials at the St. Paul City Hall.

Despite the earlier bid date being about a decade away, the amount of preparation and wooing needed to court the attentions of the International Olympic Committee is substantial, so the much of the groundwork would need to be laid over the next couple of months.

[Source: City Hall Scoop]

Could Ford plant closing in Twin Cities strike Olympic gold for Minnesota? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minneapolis judge orders 'lights out' for traffic signal cameras

Chris Paukert — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends

A Minneapolis, Minnesota area judge has given red-light cameras a taste of their own medicine. Hennepin County District Judge Mark Wernick has put the red light on the county's automated traffic signal cameras installed this past July.

The judge found legal fault with the county's 'Stop On Red' program, which (like virtually all red-light camera programs) tickets the owners of the offending vehicles, not the drivers themselves. As Minnesota state laws put the responsibility for light violations on the driver, Wernick threw out the challenging ticket, saying that Minneapolis lacks the authority to make law an ordinance that would hold vehicle owners responsible.

The motorist who brought the case to court was represented by an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) volunteer attorney, Howard Bass, who argued that the ordinance was unconstitutional, though Judge Wernick didn't comment on that facet of their case.

The city is mulling whether to appeal the decision, but the case could set an important legal precident nationwide, as it is estimated that as many as 160 other cities employ red light cameras.

[Source: Associated Press via KMSP Fox 9 News]

(Top tip, Jenni!)

Minneapolis judge orders 'lights out' for traffic signal cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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