U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000
Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology
Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations
REPORT |
This report is an archived publication and may contain dated technical, contact, and link information |
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Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-16-007 Date: January 2016 |
Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-16-007 Date: January 2016 |
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Power and Network Requirements |
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1. |
Data Collected |
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1.1 | None. This protocol provides guidance for developing a plan of action for obtaining power and network access at a given bridge site for truck testing, vibration testing, long-term monitoring, local data storage, remote data storage, and/or lighting for night fieldwork. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. |
Onsite Equipment and Personnel Requirements |
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2.1 | Equipment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.1 | PRE-PL-LO-004, Personal Health and Safety Plan. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.2 | Generator (at least 2 kW, but small and lightweight is preferred). (See section 6.3 for power requirements.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.3 | Gas container. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.4 | Motor oil. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.5 | Funnel. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.6 | Wireless modem with paid subscription to an Internet service provider and static IP address. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.7 | WiFi hotspot. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.8 | Extension cords. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.9 | Network cable. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.1.10 | Ethernet connectors, spare Ethernet cable, and crimpers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2.2 | Personnel: None. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. |
Methodology |
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3.1 | Develop a plan for power and network access. The plan should address the following: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.1.1 | Types of equipment used at the bridge. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.1.2 | Nearest electrical power source to the bridge. Use independent power when available onsite. An independent power source is required for long-term monitoring. (See section 6.3 for power requirements.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.1.3 | Need for a generator and required attributes for a generator. A generator can serve as a short-term power source. It is not recommended for semipermanent installations (more than 30 days). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.1.4 | Loss of power and battery backups for key equipment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.1.5 | Cell phone signal strength at the bridge and active service agreement. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.1.6 | Need for a wireless hotspot. Cellular modem (3G or LTE) or a WiFi hotspot can provide short‑term network connectivity and connectivity in remote locations. It is not recommended for semipermanent installations (more than 30 days). (See section 6.4 for external network requirements.) |
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3.1.7 | Spare parts for key pieces of equipment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3.2 | Table 1provides the requirements for power and the network for the assessment methods used on a bridge in the LTBP Program. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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4. |
Data Collection Table |
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4.1 | None. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
5. |
Criteria for Data Validation |
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5.1 | None. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6. |
Commentary/Background |
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6.1 | This protocol describes the elements needed in a plan for power and access at a bridge site. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.2 | The primary function of external network access on a bridge is to ensure the local and remote storage and backup of collected data (FLD-DS-RS-001, Data, Document, and Image Storage—Remote). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3 | Power requirements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1 | Generators: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.1 | For most applications, a portable gasoline generator is needed to provide power. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.2 | Even if testing is limited to an application where power may not be required, having a generator available is useful. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.3 | The generator must be able to provide at least 2,000 W with 2 or more 30-amp circuits and supply 120 V of power. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.4 | Extension cords, a gas can, funnel, and motor oil are required for use with the generator. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.5 | Operate and maintain the generator according to manufacturer specifications, including safety requirements and proper ventilation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.6 | Keep tools and sensitive equipment on separate circuits within the generator. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.7 | Assign one onsite staff person to maintain the fuel level in the generator throughout the testing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.1.8 | Loss of power during a test can result in the loss of valuable data, which could cause delays. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.2 | Independent power sources: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.2.1 | If an independent power source is not available in advance, then it must be brought to the bridge site. Providing an independent power source to a bridge requires coordination between the State, the local power company, and the project team. Solar panels and backup batteries may be used as a stopgap solution or when it is impossible to route power to the bridge. This stopgap solution is not desirable as it requires more maintenance and is subject to vandalism. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.3.2.2 | Fiber optic systems can be located at remote locations and connected to the bridge via fiber without detrimental effects on signal or power. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.4 | External network requirements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.4.1 | A cellular modem with an active service plan is adequate for short-term applications. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.4.2 | A wireless hotspot is adequate when WiFi-ready equipment is used. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
7. |
References |
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7.1 | LTBP Protocols: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
7.1.1 | PRE-PL-LO-004, Personal Health and Safety Plan. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
7.1.2 | FLD-DS-LS-001, Data, Document, and Image Storage—Local. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
7.1.3 | FLD-DS-RS-001, Data, Document, and Image Storage—Remote. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
7.2 | External: None. |