Integrity of electrical power and natural gas lines

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Two topics are proposed whose common purpose is to help preserve key infrastructure vital to the transmission of electricity and natural gas. Objectives are to: (a) use weather data to predict the likelihood of large steady vibrations of overhead power lines caused by their icing and wind, and (b) develop intelligent robots that can quickly and automatically determine the quality of natural gas pipe connections. The information will help timely decisions to be made to avoid or ameliorate potentially catastrophic and costly events. For example, the vibration of power lines caused by the severe freezing rainstorm of 1998 was an important factor in the loss of life and the 3 billion dollars damage sustained in Eastern Canada. Also, a more rigorous inspection of pipe connections during installation may help delay a significant number of subsequent failures.