Puentes – Low cost bridge health monitoring by ambient vibration tests using wireless sensors
Posted on by frta

puentesMeasurebox

The proposed research project is aimed to develop and implement a system for damage detection and localization in bridge structures. This structural health monitoring system is based on ambient dynamic tests, i.e. tests subjected to uncontrolled loading (traffic, wind etc.), and on the application of advanced structural identification techniques. The tests are carried out in such a way that existing bridge traffic remains undisturbed. The structural health monitoring system is automated to integrate the different measurement phases:

  1. positioning of sensors,
  2. data acquisition,
  3. deduction of dynamic structural characteristics and,
  4. evaluation of the structural behaviour.

The measurement campaign can be carried out by a reduced technical team in a relatively short time. In this context different bridge tests can be considered: bridges without accessible design, with a preliminary design, with an updated design and with results from a previous ambient dynamic test. Existing algorithms and related software will be upgraded in view of automatic design of low cost sensor distribution and damage localization from the test output data. The developed system will be applied to two pilot bridges to check the quality level of the derived damage information. The structural health monitoring system will be tailored to the common bridge types: simply supported or continuous, in reinforced or prestressed concrete. Finally, in order to evaluate the efficiency of the low cost wireless sensor system, a comparison will be made with a traditional wired system, regarding feasibility and cost effectiveness.

Visit the web page of the project for more information

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SETH – Sistema integral de monitorización estructural de Edificios basado en Tecnologías Holísticas
Posted on by frta

ahi

[Spanish version below]

SETH is the Spanish acromin of “Comprehensive structural monitoring system for buildings based on Holistic Technologies”

This project began in early 2013 and will run for two years.

The consortium is composed of: UPM (Technical University of Madrid), CSIC, Isoluz-Corsan, Geocisa and FCC

The objective of this project is:

  • Reduce the impact of vibrations in buildings and people in the environment in which they are founded, through continuous monitoring and quick structural diagnostics.
  • Assess the damage with a high level of accuracy to facilitate decision-making related to the integrity of the building and its need for evacuation and / or rehabilitation.
  • Promote the implementation of the system in the residential area by its easy handling and low cost market.

For this project we are using a set of techniques and devices, some developed in-house and other third parties:

  • Wireless monitoring system of high sensitivity (24 bit) with piezoelectric sensors.
  • Wireless monitoring system of low power MEMS sensors
  • Weather Station PCE-FWS-20

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