IMPLEMENTATION
Innovations over Traditional Monitoring
THE MONITORING
Structural monitoring is a fundamental process of collecting and analyzing data on buildings and infrastructure to assess their health and safety. By analyzing various parameters, detailed information can be obtained about the stress state of structural elements such as rebars.
By combining years of civil engineering experience with advances in electronics and artificial intelligence, a low-cost remote monitoring system has been developed that can accurately assess the health of structures. This system introduces several innovations over traditional monitoring, including the use of digital readers and wireless communication systems. These technologies enable cost-effective monitoring while maintaining high standards of reliability and quality in data recording.
A unique feature of this system is the ability to implement “disposable” sensors, such as accelerometers or strain sensors, directly into structural elements (beams, columns, walls) before concrete is poured. Using a low-voltage power supply and a Wi-Fi connection, the measured information is transmitted to a remote or local repository, such as a computer in a technical room in the building.
An intelligent system analyzes the collected data in real time, providing detailed assessments. If pre-defined safety thresholds are exceeded, the system can send timely alerts to protect the facility and people.
The storage system (locally or in the cloud) also allows stress, vibration, and material properties (such as humidity and temperature) to be analyzed over time to help identify changes and trends over time.
A Structural Safety Monitoring System (SSMS) not only detects the presence of structural damage and thus assesses the usability of the building after normal or abnormal events. It can also provide objective data on vulnerability or even just information on the current condition of the building, such as the stress state, dynamic response, and integrity of structural materials.
THE SYSTEM
The implementation of monitoring systems in buildings, both old and new, is an important step towards building safety and sustainability. These systems, which may include “disposable” sensors for newly constructed buildings or more traditional approaches for existing structures, consist of a network of sensing devices designed to measure various physical quantities, such as deformation, vibration, and temperature changes, in order to estimate the current state of materials and, consequently, the actual strength of structural elements, with the goal of assessing the overall safety of the building.
Another advantage of monitoring systems is their customization: the number and type of sensors can be adapted to the specific structural characteristics of the home. This flexibility makes it possible to optimize the effectiveness of monitoring and respond to different needs based on the age, type and location of the property.
In addition, the integration of advanced technologies, such as wireless communication and artificial intelligence-based data analysis, enables more proactive and informed management of building resources. Collected data can be sent to a cloud platform where it can be analyzed to detect trends and anomalies, facilitating timely intervention and maintenance planning. In this way, monitoring systems not only improve building safety, but also contribute to more sustainable and long-term management of building assets.