Structural Health Monitoring: A Guideline for Readers

SHM or structural health monitoring is a process that uses damage detection techniques and analyzes the related strategies used to build critical structures such as wind turbines, bridges, and tunnels. This nondestructive method attaches multiple types of sensors to the particular design.

The health monitoring process includes various steps such as data acquisition, data transfer, installing sensors, and monitoring the strength, safety, performance, and integrity. But when structural engineers detect defects through the process, they take corrective measures to reduce the problem. However, read this article to learn more about structural health monitoring.

Why Do Structural Engineers Monitor Structural Health?

Through this procedure, the experts can detect damage to the existing structure. They also find out the type, severity, and location of the damage.

  • Increase the performance of the present structure.

  • SHM collects all the essential data on how the structure performs. The data help professionals to design better systems in the future.

  • The installed sensors during construction help structural engineers analyze the structure's condition and lifespan.

  • Structural health monitoring is essential to reduce maintenance costs and provide data on time. As a result, the experts only need to do construction work for someday long; instead, they must maintain the structure more accurately.

What Are the Elements of a Structural Health Monitoring System?

  • Structure

Generally, structural engineering includes essential structures, including wind turbines, bridges, dams, and tunnels, as they are one of the most significant parts of our national infrastructure.

  • Data Transfer

When it comes to a large structure, you can transfer the data through a wire. The process is undoubtedly widespread and cost-effective, but it could be better. In most cases, experts prefer wireless communication because it is suitable for large structures. But remember that this procedure is much more costly and time-consuming.

Furthermore, you can also transfer data from the site to the offsite locations through telephone lines. As a result, you don't need to be present at the site to collect and transfer data.

  • Data Storage

After receiving all the data related to the structure, you can store them for a long time and keep them in the future for further analysis and interpretation.

  • Digital Processing

Once the data is transferred, experts use digital processing to reduce unwanted noises from the data. This procedure helps the structural engineer to interpret the data more quickly and accurately.

What Are the Testing Categories of the SHM System?

Experts can categorize the testing procedures into various groups. The following are periodic testing and continuous testing. There are also other categories of testing based on the way the response is invoked, such as dynamic load, static load, and ambient vibrations.

What Are the Advantages of Structural Health Monitoring

  • Shorten the inspection and repair time

  • Enhance a clear understanding of structural behavior

  • Help structural engineers to develop more effective maintenance strategies in the future

  • Detect signs of damage in the beginning

Structural Engineer Is Just Near You

By now, you have learned what a structural health monitoring system is and its importance in structural engineering. Your house can also encounter structural issues at any time. Whenever you notice signs of damage in your foundation, contact us at Ram Jack, by American Leveling in OKC, to get professional advice.

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