U-M takes in big grants for sustainability, smart-bridge research

We’ve all heard of smart phones and smart cars and and a whole host of other gadgets that seem to have minds of their own. Now the University of Michigan is working on smart infrastructure, specifically smart bridges.The $19 million federally funded project will create a system that monitors the strengths and weaknesses of bridges as they age. It will also study the effects of heavy trucks and corrosion on the bridges.The project will take place over five years and on bridges yet to be determined.Six U-M students have also received $50,000 fellowships from the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute to support interdisciplinary research related to environmental sustainability.These doctoral candidates will use the money for research on sustainability projects. The U-M now has 25 students who have received these fellowships.Source: University of MichiganWriter: Jon Zemke