In recent years, thanks to the simple and yet efficient design, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers have proven to offer a suitable solution for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in civil engineering applications. Such devices are typically characterised by high portability and durability, as well as limited cost, hence resulting in ideal tools for applications in buildings and infrastructure. In this paper, original self-made MEMS sensor prototypes are presented and validated on the basis of preliminary laboratory tests (shaking table experiments and noise level measurements). Based on the well promising preliminary outcomes, their possible application for the dynamic identification of existing, full-scale structural assemblies is then discussed, giving evidence of their potential via comparative calculations towards past literature results, inclusive of both on-site, Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) and Finite Element Analytical estimations (FEA). The full-scale experimental validation of MEMS accelerometers, in particular, is performed using, as a case study, the cable-stayed bridge in Pietratagliata (Italy). Dynamic results summarised in the paper demonstrate the high capability of MEMS accelerometers, with evidence of rather stable and reliable predictions, and suggest their feasibility and potential for SHM purposes.

Machine-induced vibrations represent, for several reasons, a crucial design issue for industrial buildings. At the early design stage, special attention is thus required for the static and dynamic performance assessment of the load-bearing members, given that they should optimally withstand ordinary design loads but also potentially severe machinery operations. The knowledge and reliable description of the input vibration source is a key step, similarly to a reliable description of the structural system, to verify. However, such a kind of detailing is often unavailable and results in a series of simplified calculation assumptions. In this paper, a case-study eyewear factory built in 2019 is investigated. Its layout takes the form of a two-story, two-span (2 × 14.6 m) precast concrete frame (poor customer/designer communication on the final equipment resulted in various non-isolated computer numerical control (CNC) vertical machines mounted on the inter-story floor, that started to suffer from pronounced resonance issues. Following past experience, this paper investigates the validity of a coupled experimental–numerical method that could be used for efficient assessment predictive studies. Based on on-site experiments with Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers mounted on the floor and on the machine (spindle included), the most unfavorable machine-induced vibration sources and operational conditions are first characterized. The experimental outcomes are thus used to derive a synthetized signal that is integrated in efficient one-bay finite element (FE) numerical model of the floor, in which the machine–structure interaction can be taken into account. The predictability of marked resonance issues is thus emphasized, with a focus on potential and possible limits of FE methods characterized by an increasing level of detailing and computational cost.

Structural glass represents a relatively innovative and not well-known solution for constructions, where it is largely used for facades, roofs, footbridges, etc. There, multiple (sandwich) glass members can interact with traditional building materials, and should offer appropriate fail-safe performances, within the full life time. However, severe operational conditions, or extreme loads, can increase the intrinsic vulnerability glazing systems. In this paper, the dynamic characterization and damage diagnostic assessment of an existing glass footbridge is carried out, based on Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) techniques.

Machine-induced vibrations and their control represent, for several reasons, a crucial design issue for buildings, and especially for industrial facilities. A special attention is required, at the early design stage, for the structural and dynamic performance assessment of the load-bearing members, given that they should be optimally withstand potentially severe machinery operations. To this aim, however, the knowledge of the input vibration source is crucial. This paper investigates a case-study eyewear factory built in Italy during 2019 and characterized by various non-isolated computer numerical control (CNC) vertical machinery centers mounted on the inter-story floor. Accordingly, the structure started to suffer for pronounced resonance issues. Following the past experience, this paper reports on the efficiency of a coupled experimental-numerical method for generalized predictive and characterization studies. The advantage is that the machinery features are derived from on-site experiments on the equipment, as well as on the floor. The experimental outcomes are then assessed and integrated with the support of Finite Element (FE) numerical simulations, to explore the resonance performance of the floor. The predictability of marked resonance issues is thus analyzed, with respect to the reference performance indicators.

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