subject: Structural Monitoring Systems A Must Have [print this page] Structural monitoring systems are used for real time monitoring and detection of a structure. This technology is equipped with facilities like communication and analysis, data recording, maintenance, client software and an analysis engine for daily operations also. With the health of a structural monitoring system you can identify the area of damage early and thus the interruptions cause in business due to the same can also be reduced. The structural systems are cost friendly and the best advantage being that they can easily detect any potential threat in any kind of a building. These systems come with strain gauges which are available in two types first is the wireless ones and the other wired ones. The disadvantage of the wire free ones is that they have only a limited range and have a higher price than the wired ones.
It is always advisable to have structural health monitoring systems. The reason being that in times of improper inspection of mega structures like tunnels, sky scrappers, historical monuments, bridges and railways, there could be problems when there is a requirement of emergency repair. Even the strength of these structures is affected by natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, age and changes in design also. With proper Structural health monitoring systems, you can easily find out the flaws in the structure, warnings about and damage and take immediate steps to rectify the damage, thus saving the structure from deteriorating even more as well as saving on the money spent due to immediate action on the problem.
These systems also help in reducing the premiums of insurance on structures like tunnels, bridges, railways and more. The main advantages of structural health monitoring systems include:
Effective allocation of the resources those are scanty,
Management of strategies and rational maintenance development
Reduction in repair and inspection time
Structural strength and service Guarantee
The structural behavior in-situ is increased also.
The structural monitoring systems come with sensors which are either attached or are inbuilt in the structure also. The task of the these sensors is collecting data including moisture levels, loads, temperature, strain or stress, etc. and pass on these details to the system known as Data acquisition systems. After collection the sampling takes place and from there the date is sent for further automated intelligent processing to some off site location, so that the site visits could be reduced or rather avoided. Then, a physical analysis is carried out which is then used for making engineering decisions based on knowledge.
For intelligent structures which are highly safe and secure and cost friendly to maintain and insure the Structural health management systems are highly recommended.
