LOW-COST STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING WITH ADVANCED DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Synopsis:  This paper presents an autonomous SHM system that was developed to detect and identify overload occurrence, and changes in structural behavior. The SHM system utilizes a new approach to identifying and extracting useful information from large data files.  By reducing the large data files into smaller packets of the most relevant information, data processing is greatly relieved, reliable analytical results are quickly achieved, and the long-term structural performance of the bridge can be presented to bridge owners in a clear format that is more easily understood and utilized.  Improved data mining and evaluation procedures allowed the amount of saved data to be significantly reduced to less than 0.1% of collected data.  In addition, this system showcases application and testing of traditional strain gage sensors, installation of the system components, and wireless communication from the bridge site to the owner for monitoring updates.  The installation of the strain gages and cabling required no training or special equipment other than safety and normal access equipment.  Excluding the communication and power equipment and research and development costs, the system can be implemented at the cost of $10,000to$15,000 depending on the number of sensors used.

ACI_f11_Convention_Program_Book.pdf (concrete.org)