Structural monitoring systems are used to detect structural damage and prevent accidents from occurring. These systems can also help save money on maintenance and repair costs.
These monitoring systems use sensors that record data over time, transforming it into information about structural health conditions and performance. They include a measurement subsystem, a data management and transmission subsystem, and a data analysis subsystem.
Availability
The availability of a structural monitoring building system allows better planning and scheduling of maintenance work. This can help reduce operating costs. In addition, a system can detect mechanical damage before it becomes dangerous, saving money on repair and replacement costs.
A structural monitoring system comprises sensors installed at strategic locations in the building, data transmission equipment and a server with analysis software. The system can measure vibrations, modal frequencies, and critical stress levels early.
Cost-Effectiveness
A structural monitoring system consists of sensors that collect and transmit data to a central unit. The microcontroller transforms the signals into digital information and sends it to a data analysis algorithm that evaluates the structure’s condition. If the data indicates an issue with the structure, it will trigger an alarm or notify the user about a possible problem.
Earthquakes or unpredictable events can cause mechanical damage, but it is also generated during normal use of the structure. SHM is an excellent way to monitor structures and detect mechanical damage before it causes any major problems. This is crucial in preventing costly refurbishments and extending the structure’s life. The ability to receive up-to-date live information can result in shorter closures, faster incident responses, and safer structures for occupants. It can also help to avoid the need for expensive rebuilds and prevent accidents and premature demolition.
Reliability
Structural monitoring systems can help you extend your structures’ life, avoiding unnecessary refurbishments. In addition, identifying possible damage early on allows you to avoid costly insurance claims and other financial problems. Moreover, an SHM system’s reliability depends on the sensors’ accuracy. Different sensor types have been developed, ranging from vibration sensors to displacement transducers. For example, a vibrating wire displacement transducer can measure changes in a building’s structural alignment. The sensor uses a vibrating wire connected to a tension spring. The sensor can detect minor movements and transmit the results to a central computer.
Maintenance
The occurrence of structural damage is one of the major sources of aircraft direct operating costs. The widespread use of SHM can help reduce these costs by replacing schedule-driven maintenance with condition-based maintenance – the system interrogates every component about its performance and the damage it experiences, helping to target any issues before they cause safety-critical operations rapidly.
SHM systems consist of sensors placed at strategically selected positions, data transmission equipment, and a server with analysis software. The system can detect structural changes and critical stress levels and alert operators before they become problematic. This means the structures can be kept functional, safe, and in good working order without costly repairs or shutdowns.
