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Modernizing Infrastructure with Interface Sensor Technologies

Modernizing infrastructure is a major priority for governments and companies around the world, and significant investments are being made to support this effort. Force measurement solutions are a critical component of modern infrastructure, helping to ensure safety, optimize performance, and improve efficiency. Interface load cells, torque transducers, load pins, tension links and other wireless solutions are used in projects all over the world that are modernizing our global infrastructure in a variety of ways.

The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that global infrastructure investment could reach $79 trillion by 2030, with China accounting for the largest share of that investment. These estimates are based on a range of factors, including population growth, urbanization, and the need for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

There is also a heavy emphasis in utilizing sensor technologies for “smart” infrastructure. This includes building smart cities, smart buildings, smart grids, smart highways and intelligent transportation systems.  Read more about how infrastructure related companies, suppliers and civil engineers use our sensors in Infrastructure Projects Rely on Interface,

Intelligent Transportation Solutions for In-Motion Train Track Monitoring

Pillow block load cells are valuable in building and enhancing infrastructure. When our PBLC1 is installed on a track, and the train runs across it, the sensor can provide a signal to a station elsewhere in the world. If any force indicators suggest that there could be a problem with the weight the train is holding or the train itself, the sensor can also trigger an automatic shutdown of the train.

Trains are not new; however, how we can use sensor technologies to keep passengers and cargo is growing in demands. These sensors could prevent major damage from train derailments and other train related incidents by detecting errors before the inflict damage. This type of sensor is a great solution for monitoring trains on a track, in-motion.

How are Interface sensor technologies in modernization projects?

Structural testing: Force measurement solutions are used to test the strength and durability of structures such as bridges, buildings, and dams. Sensors can be attached to the structure and used to measure the forces acting on it, such as wind, vibration, or seismic activity. This information can then be used to identify areas that may be weak or prone to failure, allowing for necessary repairs or upgrades. Read more in our Bridge Seismic Force Monitoring Solution App Note.

Monitoring machinery: Force measurement solutions can also be used to monitor the performance of machinery and equipment. Sensors can be installed to measure the forces generated by the machinery, such as torque or pressure, and this data can be used to identify potential problems before they cause equipment failure or downtime. This is exemplified in our Crane Capacity Verification App Note.

Material testing: Force measurement solutions are also used to test the strength and durability of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites used in modernizing infrastructure. Sensors can be used to measure the forces required to break or deform the material, providing valuable data for material selection and design. Read Interface Solutions for Material Testing Engineers.

Geotechnical engineering: Force measurement solutions can be used to monitor the forces acting on soil and rock formations, which is important for the design and construction of structures such as tunnels, mines, and retaining walls. Sensors can be installed to measure factors such as pressure, stress, and strain, which can be used to ensure the safety and stability of these structures.

As sensor technologies continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative projects in the future.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface And Infrastructure Markets Form A Perfect Partnership

Uses Cases for Load Pins

Innovative Load Pin Applications

Monitoring The Seismic Force Of A Suspension Bridge

Infrastructure-Brochure-1

Interface Celebrates Engineers

This week we are celebrating National Engineers Week at Interface. E-Week is an annual event first celebrated in 1951, which is dedicated to raising awareness of the engineering profession and the contributions that engineers make in the world.

Engineers Week matters to Interface. We have multiple types of engineers throughout our company that provide critical expertise, including application and custom solution engineers, product engineers, electrical and design engineers, and our manufacturing engineers. They are all, collectively and individually, are vital in helping to define, create, build, and deliver world-class force measurement solutions. We profile many of Interface engineers in our monthly ForceLeaders series.

E-Week matters because every day we work with incredible engineers around the world. We recognize the contributions of these engineers from diverse backgrounds throughout all types of industries. Fortunately, we get to interact with many engineers from companies to help solve critical challenges, improve testing capabilities, confirm new product designs, and discover advancements in their area of expertise with the ability to measure with accuracy.

There are many different engineers that come to Interface for different force measurement solutions, including:

  • Product engineers who are responsible for the design and development of products, from concept to final production. They depend on Interface for solutions used in the testing and validation of the product. Read more in Why Product Design Engineers Choose Interface.
  • Civil engineers who design, construct, and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water and sewage systems. Read Why Civil Engineers Prefer Interface Products
  • Mechanical engineers who design and develop machinery, equipment, and products, such as engines, turbines, and tools.
  • Electrical engineers that work with electronics, power systems, and electrical equipment, designing and developing electrical systems that power devices and machines.
  • Aerospace engineers that design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and other related systems used to explore the galaxies. Here are some examples of aerospace solutions.
  • Environmental engineers who work on projects related to environmental protection, such as air and water pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development.
  • Materials engineers who work with materials in testing materials, developing new materials, and improving existing ones.
  • Biomedical engineers who work on projects related to healthcare, designing, and developing medical devices and equipment, such as prosthetics and imaging systems.
  • Quality engineers who ensure that products meet the required quality standards using testing methods to identify and resolve quality issues. Quality engineers use Interface product to monitor production processes. Find out more here, Quality Engineers Require Accurate Force Measurement Solutions.

We see what you do, and it’s worth celebrating! Interface is fortunate to collaborate and supply engineers working in a wide variety of industries and for a diverse range of companies, both large and small. We benefit through learning how to best help engineers in industries, that include:

Aerospace and Defense: Companies in this industry develop and manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other defense-related products.
Automotive: Companies in this industry design, develop, and manufacture vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.
Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: Companies in this industry develop and manufacture drugs, medical devices, and other healthcare-related products.
Construction: Companies in this industry design and build infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, and roads.
Electronics and Semiconductors: Companies in this industry design, develop, and manufacture electronic products, including computers, smartphones, and other consumer electronics.
Energy: Companies in this industry produce and distribute energy, including oil and gas, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.
Manufacturing: Companies in this industry produce a wide variety of products, including consumer goods, industrial equipment, and machinery.

Interface is heavily reliant on the skills and experience of our own engineers. We celebrate our team members, our partners, our customers, and those that are benefitting from the advancements engineers make every day to our society. Happy E-Week!