Design and Validation of a Low-Cost Structural Health Monitoring System for Dynamic Characterization of Structures

Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is essential to identifying problems that may cause human and material losses produced by disastrous and unexpected structural failures. The dynamic characterization of civil structures adopting SHM systems provides, at a particular moment, accurate information about the current structural response. When considering a proper SHM strategy and affordable economic investment for the maintenance required by structures, it is possible to safeguard the original structural parameters and avoid potential failures. However, traditional SHM systems are not desirable due to the large economic investments involved and demand for exhausting fieldwork. This research presents the design, implementation, and validation of a low-cost SHM system composed of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and a base station in order to identify dynamic properties from the measured structural response. A set of small- and full-scale experimental tests were conducted to validate the WSN system using a wired traditional SHM system. Vibration data recorded through the low-cost SHM system were processed and compared to determine the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping properties of different structures by computing modal identification techniques, frequency analysis, and logarithmic decrement. The obtained dynamic characterization results from small- and full-scale experimental testing conclude that the low-cost SHM system can reliably identify the dynamic properties of the tested structures. This proposal provides an inexpensive, functional, and innovative alternative for SHM regarding traditional monitoring systems.

Literature Review on the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of Sustainable Civil Infrastructure: An Analysis of Influencing Factors in the Implementation

“…These two aspects are interdependent and should be jointly contemplated [76,77], so that iterative decisions on sensor placement can be made, which satisfy monitoring needs without being excessively extravagant. Specifically, many studies highlight the advantages of wireless sensor networks over traditional, labor-intensive wired solutions in terms of convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness [78,79], especially in large-scale structural monitoring [80]. However, despite the developing trend of sensors being wireless [78], the selection of sensor network types still depends on the properties of specific structures [75].…”

“…Specifically, many studies highlight the advantages of wireless sensor networks over traditional, labor-intensive wired solutions in terms of convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness [78,79], especially in large-scale structural monitoring [80]. However, despite the developing trend of sensors being wireless [78], the selection of sensor network types still depends on the properties of specific structures [75]. For instance, wireless communication may not be feasible for intricate steel structures [81].…”

Application of Condition Monitoring for Hydraulic Oil Using Tuning Fork Sensor: A Study Case on Hydraulic System of Earth Moving Machinery

“…The main purpose of maintenance is to preserve the functionality of the system in an economical manner [ 7 , 8 ]. In order to achieve this goal, the functionality of equipment should be delivered consistently with high-level performance and reliability.…”

Toward a Structural Health Monitoring Methodology for Concrete Structures under Dynamic Loads Using Embedded FBG Sensors and Strain Mapping Techniques

“…Some of the sensors that have been implemented and are still being implemented are piezoelectric sensors, position sensors (GPS), fiber optic sensors, electrical strain gauges, accelerometers, inclinometers, etc. [13][14][15]. In the last decade, special attention has been given to fiber optic sensors due to their advantages and applicability in the field of SHM [16][17][18].…”